Showing some appreciation can make a real difference to someone’s day, week, month or term. It’s cost-effective and all it takes is two little words…

Last word

I’ve written a few of these columns now and I have come to realise that they always seem to be rants against whatever annoyed me that week. Previously, I hadn’t appreciated how much my spleen needed venting or the extent of my inner rage. Reading back through them has somewhat concerned me at times, although my colleagues and family say that they are a very accurate reflection of what I am like in real life. This time, however, I am feeling much more kindly disposed towards the world and humankind in general. 

What has brought about this change, I hear you ask.

Two little words. A few weeks ago, a new member of staff came into my office and used them. No, not the two you are thinking of… these were two nice words!

“Thank you” they said. Obviously, that’s not all they said; they put their thanks into context and explained why they had come to say them to me but it was those first two words that made my day.

I am always sceptical – no, really, I am – when I read of studies that claim that people rate thanks and recognition as more important than salaries and such like in creating job satisfaction. If that were true, I thought, I could significantly reduce my wage bill simply by visiting Clintons and stocking up on thank-you cards for staff.

“I bet people don’t say that to you enough,” my visitor said. And they were right. Obviously, people say it to me all the time – when I hold a door open, make them a cup of tea and so on – but, like most of us I suspect, it is very rarely said to me in a professional context.

Rarity value

Now I know that’s not why we do the job we do – it’s not why anyone does any job – but it really is nice when someone does say it to you. Maybe the rarity of it is what makes it especially touching.

I really try to say it to people a lot in relation to their work and not just in the vain hope that they will accept it in lieu of pay. It costs nothing, it’s very quick, I genuinely mean it and I hope it makes them feel valued and appreciated.

Sometimes my morning staff briefings are nothing but thanks to individuals and groups who have run trips, put on plays or enriched the lives of our children in some way or other. I have even started end-of-term thank-you emails.

People tell me I’m developing a pastoral streak. I’m fighting it, however, don’t you worry. I know that none of these things are original and I am sure that most people do them far better than me, but I am trying and I hope that it makes the fantastic staff in my school feel as valued as they actually are.

By the time I write the next of these articles I have no doubt that I will be back to my usual vitriolic self having been irritated by some minor annoyance; I do generally have a very low tolerance for – well, most things, really. But those two little words have put a smile on my face for the moment at least.

So for reading this column, doing your job, supporting our children and their families, raising their aspirations, keeping them safe, helping them develop, managing your staff, leading your schools and doing it all, for the most part, with good grace: thank you.

The author is a headteacher from the north of England.

Want the last word?

Last Word always welcomes contributions from members. If you’d like to share your humorous observations of school life, email Permjit Mann at leader@ascl.org.uk. ASCL offers a modest honorarium.

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