GRATITUDE REALLY IS BEST
We all know that emails can be concluded with any kind of wording or signoff the composer desires. However, it turns out that some signoffs elicit better response rates than others. At least that is the conclusion of a recent Boomerang survey (“This Is the Only Way You Should Sign Your Emails.” Money . November 2017, p. 26.)
After assessing more than 350,000 emails with varied signoffs, here are the top three for recipient response rates:
- Thanks in advance. (65.7%)
- Thanks. (63%)
- Thank you. (57.9%)
Regardless of the signoff, many factors can color how we interpret any individual email. Nevertheless, it seems that a touch of gratitude is what makes a palpable difference for most recipients. Gratitude appeals to our shared humanity. It moves us toward our common good and it invites our better angels. We often can imagine seeing that person eye-to-eye, all just from that written word of thanks. We somehow realize all that is behind the expression of gratitude, and it is that connection that often prompts our positive response.
As important as all this is purely from a communications and business perspective, it also relates to the holiday we now approach. Just as gratitude has a positive effect in the business world, it also has a positive effect in our personal lives. Simply pausing daily to reflect on all the things for which you are grateful is soul cleansing and exciting. It tends to improve all aspects of our lives.
As you celebrate this Thanksgiving Day, I trust that you will genuinely take time each day to be thankful. You may soon find that a new sense of gratitude infuses your life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
