The Power Of The Exclamation Point
I like to have fun with my emails, even those that I use at work. Oftentimes I have the opportunity to thank someone. In fact, it happens all of the time.
I could do it like this. Thanks. And, to be honest, sometimes that’s what I do. Thanks.
But sometimes I get a little crazy with it. I do it like this.
“Thanks John Doe!!!”
When I simply say “Thanks” I don’t usually get any sort of response. If I do, it might be a “No problem.”
However.
When I use exclamation points, John Doe emails me back, says you’re welcome, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
See the difference? Win-Win.
It’s not much different that the person that I haven’t always had the best relationship at work. They didn’t do their best job and it affected me. I asked them to fix their issue and after too much time, they finally did. My response? “Thanks for all you did in getting this fixed.” Guess what their response is? “I’ll hand-carry it to you.” I could have brushed them off and received it in inter-office. What happened? I appreciated their effort. I gave them a verbal exclamation point. They carried it to me. They felt good about it. Our working relationship grew better. Win-Win.
How about that person in your community or church that you have trouble with? Have you thought about giving them a spiritual exclamation point? Yeah, me either. At least not often enough. How about we do that? Our relationship is strained? How about we pray for them? Or with them? They have someone sick in the hospital? How about a card? Or a visit? Let’s be honest, it’s difficult to have a bad relationship with someone if you are praying for them or visiting them in the hospital.
Let’s begin giving each other not lmwhat we think they deserve, but more than what we think they deserve. Isn’t that what God did?
He gave us the power of a huge exclamation point in the person of Christ.
We were sinners and rebels deserving nothing but death. He sent Jesus to pay the debt for our sins so that we would live with Him forever. That’s an exclamation point.
Let’s give each other the power of the exclamation point. It just might change someone’s life.
Larry, Over the past few months, I have discovered the power of the hand-written thank you note. Here’s the link to a guest blog post I wrote about my experience: http://www.mattmcwilliams.com/power-gratitude-thank-you-thursday/
I think your experience with the exclamation mark is similar to my experience. Instead of an e-mail, next time try a hand-written thank you note. I’d be interested to see the response.
Great post as usual!!!
Thanks Jon. I think the handwritten note is a great idea.
I am a big believer in making sure people appreciate what they do for me or for the church community. For example, I hand write every person who acknowledged our christmas with some type of “gift” be it a momento or even some goodies. If someone sings a special I try to let them know how much I appreciated them doing so. The power of the written word, especially with exclamation points, cannot be underestimated.
Bill, people just want to know that someone cares, right?
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Awesome reply, Rob!!!!!!!!!!!
Sometimes I think I use too many exclamation points–but not any more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Way to go Matt!!!!!!!!!!!