The Power of Thank-You

The Power of Thank-You.

By

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

I was recently talking to a friend of mine - about: “the importance found: in saying Thank-you” . I am not sure how the conversation started - but we began to tell each other stories - about how in our lives we recognized: “the power found in saying Thank-you”. As I have started to think about our conversation,  I was flooded with memories and situations where: ‘the power of Thank-you really made a difference”. As well, I started to think about: “situations where the acknowledgement of “Thank-you” has been absent”.

I remember as a child both my parents, and early-on teachers, stressing: “the importance of saying Thank-you - as a means of showing a sense of  appreciation, value - whether it be receiving  a birthday or Christmas card / gift or whether it be an an acknowledgement of someone’s effort and kindness” . As I was thinking about this - I began to reminisce on the writing of Thank-you notes - and how that was a ritual built into my childhood.,

As I moved into adulthood, I became the one stressing to my own children the importance found in saying Thank-you. Beyond my personal life - and into my professional career - the acknowledgement of someone’s effort or productivity when warranted - also received a Thank-you - once again as a sense of appreciation and value. In my college classes, if we have a guest speaker come into the lecture or if I take students on a field placement experience - I immediately ask the students to write that person or agency representative a Thank-you note…. to show appreciation and value found in their presence (* today, those Thank-you notes may take the form of an email or text - but the underlying message remains the same).

In working with clients, I have often noted how people are disappointed or offended if they feel their family members, friends or professional colleagues do not recognize the effort they have placed into their personal or professional relationship. With respect to family systems - the absence of Thank-you or an absence of appreciation often cascades into uncomfortable dialogues and relationships. In organizations, the same is true. I have witnessed organizations that are completely absent in acknowledging with a sense a sense of gratitude - the productivity or value of their employees - the result is apathy, a disconnecting and a complete decay of moral. On the other hand  I have witnessed large organizations where a leader who held the importance and value of the employees/staff in high regard  - resulting in increased productivity and adaptability to change. (In my earlier career, I worked with a director/manager/leader - who practiced the management style of: “How do we get to Yes?’ That refreshing management style/philosophy he presented - created a sense of value and validity for all involved. That person, a seasoned and experienced director/manager/leader, knew how to lead an organization. In fact, we have become life-long friends. Thank-you Roger Monthie, for your organizational leadership style….it truly made a difference in many lives).

So in essence, whether it be in childhood or adulthood - either in a personal family situation or in a workplace arena  we find: “There is an intrinsic value in saying Thank-you - as well as an intrinsic value in being the recipient of the acknowledgement of Thank-you….it makes relationships stronger, enhances appreciation and increases emotional balance and workplace morale”.

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In order to support my point, I reached out to two resources….one current and one historical.

1. In posing the question to ChatGPT - “What is the power found in Thank-you? The response was: Saying “thank you” may seem simple, but it carries powerful meaning for both the person expressing it and the person receiving it. Its importance can be seen in several ways:. 

Affirmation & Recognition

• Acknowledges the other person’s effort, kindness, or presence.

• Reinforces that their actions have value and meaning.

• Prevents people from feeling taken for granted.

Relationship Building

• Strengthens trust and connection in personal, professional, and social relationships.

• Encourages reciprocity and cooperation.

• Creates goodwill that can open doors to future opportunities.

Emotional Impact

• For the receiver: Validates their contribution and boosts self-worth.

• For the giver: Fosters humility, gratitude, and mindfulness.

• Builds a positive emotional cycle—gratitude tends to create more kindness. 

Cultural & Social Value

• Universally recognized as a sign of respect and good manners.

• Essential in professional etiquette, leadership, and community engagement.

• Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and awareness of others.

Health & Wellbeing

• Research in psychology shows that gratitude practices (like saying “thank you”) reduce stress, improve mood, and even promote better physical health.

• Helps shift focus from what is lacking to what is present and good.

Leadership & Influence

• Leaders who consistently thank their teams foster higher morale, loyalty, and productivity.

• Small acts of acknowledgment can have long-lasting impacts on motivation and commitment.

👉 In essence, “thank you” is much more than politeness—it’s a bridge of connection, a seed of respect, and a catalyst for goodwill.

B. In researching the perspective of Miss Manners - regarding the power found in Thank-you….the response was:

Why Saying Thank You is Important

• It's an affirmation of value:.

  
  

  When you thank someone, you are acknowledging their effort and value, telling them they are seen and appreciated. 

  
  

• It builds relationships:.

  
  

  Expressing gratitude strengthens personal and professional relationships by building rapport and mutual respect. 

  
  

• It encourages positive behavior:.

  
  

  Receiving thanks can make someone feel their work is worthwhile, inspiring them to continue giving their best. 

  
  

It creates goodwill:. A well-timed thank you fosters goodwill and makes people more likely to help you again in the future. 

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There, we have it. Both ChatGPT and Miss Manners agree - (generations apart) there is Power in saying (and receiving) a Thank-you! ….with the absence of “Thank-You” - families and organizations fragment and wither…..with the presence of “Thank-You” - families and organizations rally together and become stronger….and it is never too late (in your family system or in your workplace) to acknowledge with a sense of appreciation - the “Power of Thank-You” ….try it …..you will be amazed.