Appreciation Letters

Are you a high-expectations leader, who gets frustrated by people around you turning up but not switching on?

A big complaint from many people is that no-one is noticing their efforts. Even the most hardened of people love it when someone acknowledges them.

When you write a sincere, heartfelt letter of appreciation or congratulations - not only do you build relationships with others you too benefit from feeling good for having taken the time to reach out to another.

Tips for Writing Appreciation Letters

Handwrite the note. When was the last time you received a hand-written note/letter? It will set you apart from everyone else. Emails are a very poor cousin to a hand-written note.
Be specific. About what it is you are appreciating or congratulating. When you are specific, you are reinforcing the behavior that created the success for the person (which means they will likely repeat it in the future) and it shows that you are very sincere about the congratulations.
Write the note within a few days of whatever happened. Timing is crucial
Be sincere. People can sense when you are taking action simply because it will hold you in good stead, rather than truly being about wanting to acknowledge their success.
Be concise. In an appreciation letter ... less is more
Close with your best wishes and a comment about the bright future for the person/(s)
The note can be on letterhead (even when hand-written), as people like to be able to showcase the note. Either as part of their resume or to their family and friends
Make the note to a specific person. If you are congratulating an entire team, write the note to the team leader.

Please note the letters below are only sample letters. I do not know your particular circumstances. Therefore, you should get legal or jurisdictional advice from your local practitioners prior to using.

Sample Appreciation Letters

Below are listed some of the sample template letters contained inside our members only gated area.

Each document is available to you in Word, Pages or PDF format. Making it easy for you to use the template as a foundation for the letter you write to your team member.

Congratulations on Handling a Difficult Task/Situation
Use this to acknowledge someone who was faced with a difficult situation or task

Congratulations On Promotion
Use this letter to acknowledge someone who has been promoted (not within your team

Congratulations Ongoing Good Performance
Use this letter to say thanks to a team member who consistently puts in an effort and its time you let him/her know you appreciate that

Thanks to Family
Thanking a team member's family for their patience and co-operation during a testing time

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