Personalized Notes Make a Difference

Did you believe me?

When I shared the story about how a personalized note really can make someone feel appreciated, noticed, valued, did you believe me or keep scrolling?

Cause I've just seen it in action yet again.

In August, we focused on how appreciation and sharing your gratitude for specific behaviors, actions, contributions makes a difference:

• It helps the individual or group feel positive
• It points out to others the methods, mindset, and actions that are valued and rewarded
• It often ricochets back to the original sender making them feel the positive vibes as well

In our Boss at the Helm courses and workshops we pay a lot of attention to learning about gratitude and praise because it's free and powerful.  It's the single most important thing anyone can do and it has the biggest impact. You can lead with it, and you'll find it catches on. It's a good contagion.

Expressing thanks, noticing (vs. taking it for granted) giving and receiving praise - these release brain chemicals that promote positivity, well being, satisfaction. They lift the vibe up. And the more it takes over the culture and atmosphere, the more we see improved mood, behaviors, and resilience.

If you missed it, you can catch up on it in our Mini but Mighty ℠ Leadership Lessons  or read more in this Linked in Post.

I shared a story of a C-Suite Exec who received a personalized email, one that the CEO took the time to write, making the effort to think about and specifically mention the actions and behaviors of the Exec and why it made a difference to the CEO and company.  

For the past 7 months, I've participated in a professional development program with a cohort of go getters. We invested hours in virtual meetings and practices. We invested time and money in travelling and being present for 3 days in person for several months. There are untold countless hours, too, of writing, editing, rehearsing, scrapping, re-doing. And the self-doubt, the questioning of life choices, the is-this-worth-it, can-I-become-great-at-this?  For all those reflections, there were probably 3x as many kudos, you've-got-this & you-rocked-that and sundry other moments where the cohort applauded, rooted, hugged or sent supportive messages.

And finally, with so much gratitude for the journey, the people, and the learnings graduation day arrived.

It came right at the completion portal 9/9/9 September 9, 2025. Just a few days post the lunar eclipse in Pisces, culminating cycles started in February 2025 when we also saw a Pisces new moon and when my professional opportunity started. That may be too woo-woo for some. But I like signals, symbols and synchronicities. If that part doesn't resonate for you, it's okay. You can jump ahead.

The last day of "school", one of our most vibrant personalities approached and handed me a sealed card. I felt a sense of shock. Nobody hands out cards anymore. I did a little jump up and down. 

"Did I just get a valentine?!"   

My friend Jeanne was standing next to us and she gave me an "are you kidding me" look. Was I being silly? Was I really that excited?

I really was that excited. 

This wasn't a canned social obligation. Here was one person who without prompting chose to make a difference to others. She chose to share joy and love and appreciation.

Without even looking at the note, I immediately felt special. Another human, took the time, made the effort to do something for me and for many others in her class.

Her hand-written note expressed gratitude and joy at the shared experience and specifically mentioned something about my content that made me know she had taken time to think about, to reflect and then to share her thoughts and feelings with me and for me.

So, I'm hoping you believe me. Ahem, I hope you'll take note:

Taking the time and effort to put your thanks in writing, to appreciate someone and show gratitude really does make a difference to them. And, it bounces back to you, too.