What To Do With Your Name Card
An Instant Impact Thank You Note!
When class was done at the end of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police Supervisory Institute, I was gathering my training material and ready to go home. I had commuted over four hours a day for three days and taught a class of 40 about the crucial role that is fulfilled by a supervisor in any work setting and how they could each be more effective in that role. My mind was as tired as the rest of me!
As I was picking up my training material I found a name card with a note on it. I smiled then laughed, because the officer who had apparently sneaked up and left it on my table, Officer James Johnson, had reminded me of a big puppy dog that created havoc whether he intended to or not. He was a lot of fun in the class and added to it in many ways. (At least, he added to my enjoyment!)
I write and teach about Instant Impact Communications and Instant Impact Moments, and Officer Johnson’s thank you card is a great example. I often receive emails and cards from participants in classes or conferences, and I appreciate them tremendously and save them all. But this was immediate, fun and very personal. It made an Instant Impact! (And, I can assure you, every teacher or trainer needs encourgement!)
Consider this the next time you go to any meeting, conference or training where you have a name card: Write a note on it before you leave, to send a positive message to the person who put a lot of effort into the program–the speaker, instructor, coordinator or events manager. It will be a wonderful compliment for someone who is tired and hoping their efforts were appreciated. It will end the training time on a positive note for you as well!
I think this is great! Thank you and Officer Johnson.
Comment by Robert N. Adams | October 11, 2008
I’ve intended to write thank you notes after classes a lot of times, but haven’t done it. So, this would be a good way to make sure it gets taken care of. If you notice I HAVE written thank you notes to YOU every single time! Phyllis
Comment by P.A.H. | October 12, 2008
I liked the article from last week about getting bitten by someone when you think you’re doing a good thing. I’ll send you an email about that. This one about using a name card as a thank you note is a good idea. I teach the data entry class and am lucky to get the critiques back. It’s a tough crowd (you know THAT!)
Comment by Mike B. | October 12, 2008
Tina says: Thank you Pastor Bulldog (Robert Adams), P.A.H. and Mike, for your comments.
Maybe those of us who teach should solicit good comments a bit more. I think in my next class I’m going to suggest that if anyone has a question, concern or just a personal note they want to leave for me, they should use their name cards and lay them on my table. That might take the spontaneity out of it, but it might also result in an exchange of positive feelings at the end of the class!
I’d much rather have a personal thank you note than 5s on a critique sheet that I turn in to the class manager! (Although I need those 5s too!) So, thank you Phyllis!
Comment by TLR | October 12, 2008
Good idea. Sometimes us students who create havoc aren’t so bad. HA!
Comment by Wiseacre | October 12, 2008
Hello Tina! I didn’t know you had a website until you mentioned it in class. This is an excellent site and I’ll refer other managers to it. Thank you for your dedication and record of accomplishment. Your experiences were invaluable as examples. Sincerely, Chuck Tarantino
Comment by CNT99 | October 15, 2008
I’m flattered with the response Tina, thank you. Thank goodness I spelled knowledgeable correctly…I guess you never know when your going public. ; )
Ofc James Johnson
Comment by James Johnson | October 23, 2008