“Who’d have thought there was so much in a thank you?” Jeremy J Lewis.

Who indeed. 

What do you say when people say to you: “Thank you”? Do you say “You’re welcome”? “It was nothing” or something else? And what are you trying to convey with your response? Do you get embarrassed when people thank you, do you receive it as a gift, or do you see it as an opportunity, further to build a relationship with someone? Have you thought that the way you respond to Thank You can be a way of valuing yourself, and valuing the person who is thanking you? Have you considered that your response could have the exact opposite effect? 

So let’s explore that. If you thought that saying “Thank you” was nothing more than a way of ending a conversation or social interaction, think again. Instead of politely closing a door, your response could be a way of keeping the door open and giving you a path to continuing the relationship in the future. 

Jeremy and Geoff reflect on how their own responses to people saying to them “Thank you” have changed over time, how they respond now, and what they are seeking to convey when they do. They explore their standard responses to being thanked and also more context specific responses - consciously changing what they say, for example, at the end of a coaching relationship. Since such relationships usually end with the client saying “Thank You” what you say in response will form part of the client’s memory of that relationship, and form part of the basis of any future relationship you may have. 

How might you change your own response to Thank You when a relationship - collegiate or business - reaches a natural and convivial conclusion?

They also explore how a considered response to a Thank You can be part of your business relationship strategy, reflecting on a celebrated approach from Robert Cialdini, professor emeritus at Arizona State University. 

Thank you, for your support for the Coaching York podcast! 

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