Dear Subscriber,

John McCarthy is a project manager for a large construction company.

He arrives for work earlier than everyone.

He greets staff and clients with friendliness.

He never misses meetings, he listens without interrupting, and he is quick to give credit to those around him.

In the next week, John's team will complete a $125 million dormitory project. It will be finished two months ahead of schedule and well within the client's budget.

Scenario 1

What if John's boss Phil never offered a single word of gratitude?

At the conclusion of the project he simply said, "Your next assignment will be a mid-rise on the west side of the city. I'll need you to meet with the architect on Monday and plan on how your next project will finish three months ahead of schedule."

Now, one might think, "John's a big boy. He doesn't need strokes from others to be successful. Phil's just a bottom-line business guy."

That's one theory.

But what if Phil didn't know that John's reaction was, "This is BS! I bust my butt to lead a team to success. My client and team are very happy. Our company makes a heap of money, and this is the thanks I get? I'm updating my resume tomorrow."

Remember, most employees don't quit their company or project, they quit their boss.

Phil is the reason for losing a huge talent whose performance was exceptional.

Scenario 2

As the project concludes, John looks in his mail box and sees an envelope with his name on it.

He opens it, and it's a handwritten note that reads,

John,

Congratulations on leading our company to an extremely successful project. Our client loves us, the project team is ecstatic and YOU are the catalyst for this accomplishment.

I've been in this business for more than 30 years and can honestly say you are one of the best young managers I've worked with.

Your enthusiasm and attitude are contagious. Your work ethic and candor create trust and build morale. Most of all, you have kept everyone abreast of what is going on and how they contribute.

All of these are not just the mark of an exemplary leader, they're the sign of a winner. That's what you are.

Keep up the good work and thanks for your efforts.

We're proud to have you at this company.

Sincerely, Phil

Scenario 2 might have taken Phil a grand total of 15 minutes to write and deliver. But what will it do for John's confidence, loyalty and performance?

I think you know the answer.

Expressing gratitude is one of the least expensive and most important performance builders there is. So why don't leaders take time to show it?

Author's Bio

Joe Takash

Joe Takash is a keynote speaker and the CEO of performance management firm Victory Consulting. He also serves as director of corporate relations for Robert Morris College. To learn more, visit www.joetakash.com or call (888) 918-3999. Joe's book "Results Through Relationships" will be available through Wiley Publishing in the Fall of 2008.