As the Monty Python reunion get under way at the O2 Arena this week it’s worth remembering that their creativity and intellectual risk taking has produced some of the most talked about, remembered word for word and applauded work on stage and screen for decades.

Their global brand, idiosyncratic humour and much loved anthems are part of our culture and one in particular has a resonance for the PR and communications industry … Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It5wSqTrE0M

In the changing world of social and traditional media relations, product placement and promotions the daily knocks are definitely character building.  Who can forget the first time they were told to ‘f*** off’ by a national newspaper journalist when doing a ring round; or the client who wrote ‘bollocks’ at the bottom of a draft press release;  or the new business pitch for a major household brand that after two chemistry meetings, a briefing meeting, two pitches and positive happy feedback made the decision to go with ‘the other agency’.

However each time we pick ourselves up and start all over again – even more determined that this time we are going to get that coverage/client/contract.  And when our determination pays off and we succeed … what a feeling.  It’s that YES! moment.  When you’ve just won a competitive pitch (for a client you really, really want), or when you’ve secured the type of coverage or branding for a client they’ve only ever dreamt of, or when your client actually says ‘thank you’.

It’s no surprise that being praised makes people feel good.  It not only triggers the release of hormones that helps control the reward and pleasure centres of the brain but it can also contribute to innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.  Research also shows that people who receive regular praise are more productive, engaged and have a more positive approach to their work.

Tops 5 Tips for saying Thank You 

1.      Make it personal

For a thank you to have resonance it should be specifically linked to the recipient – their achievements, performance, ideas etc

2.      Make it relevant

Tailor the gesture to the individual or team in question – it could be a gift voucher if someone values financial recognition or perhaps help with workload and projects if time is of importance.

3.      Make it regular

It’s not enough to have a Christmas party and take that as thanking everyone.  Incorporate into weekly and monthly routines some regular methods or ways to praise.

4.      Make it specific

Whenever possible, connect the appreciation with something specific the individual did and how it contributed to a positive outcome.

5.      Make it public

Make sure higher ups, board members and others know of standout accomplishments.  A letter from the CEO has far more value than anything with an actual price tag.

Our summer picnic – packed with sunshine, deckchairs and pedalos – takes place this week.  It’s a time when our B2B PR, consumer PR and babyville baby PR teams get together and have some time out to ‘look at the bright side of life’ … and for us all to say Thank You!