Simple Note, Happy People (Day 15)

Monday  I received two emails that had a big impact on my day.

The first email was from a stranger. You see, on Sunday, he attended the Pawtucket Red Sox game and saw my school’s band play a pre-game concert and the National Anthem. He was impressed enough with our band (which is rather amazing!), that he took the time to email me. If I thought my day was made by this email, the Band Director was totally thrilled.

The second email was more personal. A parent saw me at a festival on Sunday, but did not come speak with me while I was with my family. On Monday, she wrote to thank me for a good school year. Nice.

These two emails reminded me of the power of a simple note. How powerful for a principal to write simple thank you notes to the staff for all sorts of actions. Over the last few years, I have written dozens of short notes to staff for an amazing array of reasons. I expect no reply and almost never get one. I write them just because it is the right thing to do. I write these short notes just to let someone know that I think highly of them.

Now, please excuse me as I go off to write a few notes; there are plenty of people around me who deserve my thanks.


Day 15 of my month of blog-a-day (Spilling Ink http://tinyurl.com/nc7gg3). 15 remaining.