Tech Manager—Don’t Forget to Say Thanks
When was the last time you thanked someone, and did so with deep appreciation? Really gave a heartfelt thank you to someone who assisted you along the way? Someone who gave you a leg up. Pushed you further. Challenged your thinking. Encouraged you to dream. Introduced you to an expert. Invited you to join them. Gave you advice. Told you the truth. Covered for you. Accepted you as you are. Did not scold you for doing something wrong. Gave you permission to fail. Told you how to avoid the pitfalls.
I could go on with this list, but you get the idea. Now I want you to make it happen. Take the time today to say thank you to your fellow workers, your team, your boss, your spouse, your kids, your teacher, your mentor, whoever. Do it face to face, or via handwritten letter or a quick note. Maybe take time to make a phone call or even an email will do. Just go do it.
The power of a thank you is spoken of by Dr. Laura Trice. Google it and watch her TED talk. Others have spoken and written on the positives it brings to the person being thanked and the person doing the thanking. It feels good to be thanked and also produces positives in the one offering the thanks.
Now let me focus on just one area of thanks that you might think about doing… your fellow AUGI members. Most of you have gotten advice, suggestions, answers, and so much more from AUGI members. Have you thanked them recently? I am sure you do it quickly when you get some great tip, but I encourage you to circle back around and say thank you to them again and tell them how their advice impacted you and your work life.
Is There Anybody Out There?
AUGI members serve each other, but sometimes feel lost in the shuffle of tips and tricks flying back and forth. They take the time to post or write and pour out their wisdom for all to share. They do it, not for the limelight, but to help others as they have been helped. They sometimes may not feel connected or appreciated when they offer advice because they do not hear back from those that have benefited.
Classic rock gave us some magnificent bands—Pink Floyd among the most celebrated. Remember the album The Wall? On the two platter release is a song called “Is There Anybody Out There?” which asks that exact question. The best way to let someone know you are out there is to reach out and thank them.
AUGI Forums
So many members have advanced their careers and knowledge through the forums that it is un-countable (is that a word?). But how often do you see lengthy acknowledgments and appreciation in the thread? Oh sure, people say thanks, but seldom do they stop and write an extended paragraph on how it personally made their jobs easier. Most of the help offered is not to get a thank you. Most, if not all, AUGI members are selfless givers and help others because that is the culture of AUGI. But go back and thank a couple.
AUGI Volunteers
Behind the scenes, volunteers work tirelessly to make AUGI happen. Forum moderators, magazine content managers, web content manager, wish list helpers, organizers, recruiters, Autodesk University volunteers, and so many more. Some of these volunteers have worked for years with AUGI. They love the work they get to do, but can be encouraged when someone extends a “thank you” to them. Send them an email and let them know.
AUGIWORLD Writers
The writers of the rag you hold in your hand or read online are not paid staff. They don’t get a paycheck for their work. They do it because they love to, but still could use a kind word now and then. And they seldom hear back from those who read their work. It takes an extra measure to write back. Most authors have emails right there at the end of each article in their bio. Stop and take a minute to email them and tell them what you think of their article and the good it has done for you. Let them know if they helped you and how it helped. How much time they saved you. Tell them how they changed your thinking. Mention how they made you stop a bad habit or build a good new habit.
Your Local User Group Leaders
Reach out and let them know that you really appreciate the time and work it takes to pull off a Local User Group (LUG). These things don’t just happen by themselves. Every month or so they struggle to find topics, speakers, sponsors, and more so their members can soak up the rewards. Offer them a pat on the back and a public thank you at your next meeting. A round of applause to those LUG leaders out there.
AUGI Staff
Even though they get paid for the work they perform for AUGI, they are no less deserving of your appreciation. Look on the website for a list. Graphics staff, editors, web support, accountants, newsletter developers, BLAUGI posters, HotNews publishers, advertising reps, emails campaign staff, and so much more. Let them know that you are grateful for their efforts.
The AUGI Board
Thank the AUGI board of directors for doing the work they do. They think AUGI all the time. They ponder new features, new offerings. They struggle with handling the thousands and thousands of members. They prep for Autodesk University. They struggle with budgets and staffing. They interact with Autodesk directly. Give them a shout out of thanks.
Thank Yous do not create themselves. They don’t magically appear unless someone takes the time to speak up. Good intensions don’t lift someone’s spirits until shared. Make it happen. Thank one person today and start thanking more tomorrow.
Don’t leave these people and others wondering… is there anybody out there?
Mark Kiker has more than 25 years of hands-on experience with technology. He is fully versed in every area of management from deployment planning, installation, and configuration to training and strategic planning. As an internationally known speaker and writer, he is a returning speaker at Autodesk University since 1996. Mark is currently serving as Director of IT for SIATech, a non-profit public charter high school focused on dropout recovery. He maintains two blog sites, www.caddmanager.com and www.bimmanager.com.
