Episode 43: The Unexpected Power Of A Handwritten Note

Episode 43 Show Notes

 

The Psychology behind the power of a handwritten note (mirage.com blog)

 

The Time Investment

  • The act of taking the time to write a note, in one's own handwriting, symbolizes the care and attention the sender has for the receiver, making the message more impactful.
  • Michal, mosaic, asked for a photo, special spot 25th anniversary, FRAME (would have been nice), MOSAIC (prized possessions)
  • Sends the message, “You were worth taking the time to do this”



The Tangibility and Permanence of Handwritten Notes

  • Unlike digital notes that can easily get lost in the sea of electronic files and folders, handwritten notes have a physical presence. 
  • They can be touched, held, and kept, allowing the recipient to revisit the emotions and memories associated with the note. 
  • Thanksgiving Thank You cards and other notes, next to desks years later
  • This tangibility and permanence add another layer to the allure of handwritten notes.

 

The Unique, Personal Touch

  • Handwriting is as unique as a fingerprint, reflecting the individual personality of the writer. 
  • Our world is becoming less personal every day. Call and you want to talk to a human…. Wal-mart self checkout 5 stars, Automation, 
  • When we receive a handwritten note, we're not only reading the message but also experiencing a part of the sender's persona. 
  • This personal touch, filled with unique handwriting styles and quirks, can elicit a more emotional response, making the message more memorable.

 

The Slow Nature of Handwriting

  • In an era where speed is celebrated, handwriting forces us to slow down and focus on the present. (Pushing send too quickly)
  • The slow nature of handwriting allows for more thoughtful and intentional communication. 
  • It gives us the time to carefully consider our words, fostering a deeper understanding and better articulation of our thoughts.

 

The Emotional Weight of Handwritten Notes

  • There's an undeniable emotional weight to handwritten notes. 
  • Whether it's a birthday card, a thank you note, or a letter of condolence, handwritten messages carry a sense of sincerity and effort that digital messages often lack. 

 

The Message It Sends

  • Teachers and staff want assurance that their leaders care about them. 
  • They want to know that you appreciate them for what they do and who they are. 
  • Further, your teachers want to see that their leaders are sympathetic to their circumstances.

 

Other benefits:

  • Strengthening employee morale
  • Increased motivation because hard work is noticed and acknowledged
  • heightening productivity
  • improved connection
  • Better relationships
  • helping to retain team members who will feel more appreciated—all of which can lead to reduced recruiting and training costs.

 

Your employees will want to be led by you

 

  • Studies found that leaders who express appreciation are more influential, respected, and happier. 

In a Glassdoor survey, 81% of employees said they would work harder for a grateful boss.

 

How do I do this?

 

Mindset shift

Plan Ahead

Pace yourself

 

What do I write?

    • Be sincere
    • Speak from your heart, drawing on your empathy and compassion
    • and do so concisely
    • BE SPECIFIC
    • BE SPECIFIC
    • Live the quote (Forget what you said, did, How you made them feel)

 

  • “DO A FEELINGS TRANSPLANT”

 

  • How will this make them feel? Intentional encouragement

 

Just start

 

Call to Action

 

  • Write three handwritten notes in the next week.

 

I’ve created a free resource for you called “The 6 Things That Every Private School Teacher Wants From Their Leader”. This guide is a 6 page pdf that will be a game changer for you. I guarantee you that if you do these 6 things, the teachers at your school will be happy to follow you. CLICK HERE to get the guide!

 

I want to give you a gift to say “thank you” for listening to the podcast. I have created a FREE guide for you called “5 Strategies To Help You Work With Difficult Parents”. We know that working with parents is part of the job and most of our parents are great, but some of them can be very demanding and emotional and difficult. This guide will give you the tools that you need to build better relationships and have better meetings with the difficult parents at your school. CLICK HERE to grab the guide. Thank you again for listening every week!

 

If you implement any of these strategies at your school, I would love to hear from you! Send me a quick note at [email protected] and tell me about it. I can answer your questions and I’m also good at giving pep talks when you get stuck!

 

If you have gotten value from listening to the podcast, I would love to work with you 1-on-1. I would love to take my experience and help you to feel less overwhelmed and frustrated or help you have success if you are a brand new leader. I also work with private school leaders who are aspiring Heads of School and want to accelerate their leadership growth or experienced leaders that are moving on to a new school and they want to get off to a great start. If I’m describing you, then CLICK HERE to learn more about working with me 1-on-1.

 

CLICK HERE for a bunch of free resources, including Plug & Play PD's (video webinars with guided notes) for you to use with your teachers, Top Lists of Leadership Books, Productivity Books, TED Talks and much more!

 

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Music by Twisterium from Pixabay