A Rare, Fleeting Season - for Written Expressions of Appreciation

By Sid Chadwick, Chadwick Consulting, Inc. – 12/04/2025

Published in American Printer : “Strong teams thrive on recognition. In his article, Sid shares how a simple gesture of appreciation can leave a lasting mark on both people and performance.” 

“…While traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus healed ten lepers…Only one of those who were healed returned to give thanks…”… Luke 17:11–19.

INTRODUCTION:

What feels like a previous life, I had almost thirty District Managers and Reps reporting directly to me. About a third, I had hired – and were located 500 to 1,500 miles away from our plant and my office, such that most of them I met with personally – only once a year.

But every Friday we had a one-on-one review of their week, what went well, what they needed re. support from the main plant and office, and how their territory or district was performing relative to the previous year – and this year’s budget. From my weekly conference call note-taking, my follow-up was legendary.

Their responsibilities were significant. They averaged 6 to 15 key personnel – reporting directly to each of them.

Communications were critical, and I believed, needed to be frequent and substantive. We were growing our company’s revenues – over $4 to $5 million each year (and pretax exceeded 20%).

At Christmas each year, I hand-wrote each of them a personalized Christmas letter…. that was assured through our distribution system to arrive before their Christmas break.

Each letter contained:

1.  My sincere personal appreciation for their best efforts the previous 12 months.

2. The company’s sense of dependence and trust re. their responsibilities – attending to 100’s and 100’s of issues the previous 12 months.

3. My wishes for them and their family to have a meaningful time for rest and reflection.

4. My request for them to attend to their subordinates and major customers – to also have a terrific Holiday period.

SUMMARY:

The levels of trust and mutual respect between them and me, representing the owners of the company – was a deep responsibility and honor, to me.

With this Holiday Season, I encourage you to – write a personal note of sincere appreciation and thanks – to everyone reporting to you – including your key suppliers.

We too seldom know the personal needs of those we depend on.

Written notes tend to be kept….. They are that rare.

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man…”…..Benjamin Franklin

PS: From 1973 until 1984, we grew that company’s revenues from less than $9 million to over $67 million (and never had to borrow money, or make an acquisition – all organic growth.) Constant high-level, candid communications, steady – relentless innovations, and a fierce work ethic – were cornerstones.