How to Talk to Anyone at Work: 72 Little Tricks for Big Success in Business Relationships

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Don’t Give Hit-and-Run Praise

If a colleague grants you a favor at work or a direct report does a great job on an assignment, of course you thank them. It’s only expected, and you’d be rude not to. But what’s the real point of saying thank you? It’s to express your gratitude and make the recipient feel good about what he’s done, right? But the usual “thanks” or even “good job” is as common as fleas on a dog. So when it comes out of your mouth, it’s like elevator music. People hardly hear it.

I’d like to share a quick and easy technique that accomplishes the true purpose of a thank you. (And in the process, it makes the recipient want to do more for you.) When your supervisor, passing you in the hall, says, “Thanks for finding that document ...