Acknowledgment is actually
a learned coaching skill.
Why?
Because we get so precious
little of it in life.
We are starved to our core
for a crumb of gratitude.
Research indicates
employees would rather
be criticized than ignored.
A fact that I make up, while
likely true, comes from the
sad assumption that
“complimented”, “praised”
or “acknowledged”
wasn’t among the
consideration set of
those surveyed.
To illustrate:
I bought a doughnut at
Stan’s Donuts
(Allow me to compliment
Stan on his doughnuts: outSTANding.).
When the counter person
took my money,
the following dialogue ensued:
Manager: Say ‘thank you’.
Counter Person: What?
Manger: Say ‘thank you’.
You should always say
‘thank you’ when you take
someone’s money.
Counter Person: Oh.
Thank you. It’s my first day.
On the planet?!?
I wanted to ask.
How is it possible that
a human being escaped knowing
this very basic exchange?
The acknowledgment
that should transpire
when money is exchanged for goods
is Gratitude 101.
Unless it’s a hold-up,
there is no acceptable alternative
for ‘thank you’ when money
and goods change hands.
It should be as reflexive
as the blessing of your choosing
after a sneeze.
Or “you’re welcome” after
that obligatory thank you.
