According to a national communications study conducted by Sprint, 80% of people feel that other people are "less courteous today than five years ago. " Technology - specifically email and cell phones - are largely the root of this discontent. However, we don't think people are less courteous - it's just that we're all used to communicating in a way that's perceived as most convenient. And too often, that leaves pen and paper and personal communication in the dust.

The ability for a person to connect with another person is what sets the stage for optimal business success. Take a moment to think about the last time you received a handwritten thank you note in the mail. How did it stand out from the bills, coupons, and junk? Do you remember who sent it?

At Tero, we're committed to interpersonal skills and civility. One of the most essential of those skills is to thank a person when they deserve a sincere thank you. Did you know that over a dozen times a day, we have the opportunity to thank a person? From the person who made your bed at the hotel to the person who made you laugh harder than you have in a month. A well-deserved thank you is not always overt, and it is rarely provided in a form as memorable as a handwritten note.

Challenge yourself to write and send at least five thank you notes every week.

Get creative. Think outside the box. Don't limit yourself only to the traditions of thank you notes. Many people do a kindness for you each and every day. When was the last time you thanked the janitor in your workplace? A parent? A child? A spouse? A sibling? A dependable co-worker? Your manager?