Stick it to ‘Em

Posted on Jul 3, 2010 | 4 comments

The Post-it® Note is 30 years old. Although I get giddy just walking into an office supply  store, I have to admit, sticky notes make my heart go aflutter. In college, I would write stacks of notes and cover the doors of friends’ dorm rooms to offer encouragement or birthday greetings.

As my responsibility levels increased, so did my sticky note sophistication. From color-coding files to marking and notating passages in specific tomes utilized for speech giving, I have found the little, colored squares indispensible. However, where I have found the most impressive success in the realm of people management.

As a director, when sharing piles of reports or giving out lists of tasks, I found that a handwritten kudos or even a summary of instruction went a long way to encourage employees and to raise morale. In a group setting, I used my sticky note method to correct behavior as needed without drawing unwanted attention or embarrassing anyone. If the behavior was reoccurring or expected, I would write out my notes in advance, if not, I would take a few moments during the meeting or on break. They would go a little
something like this:

“Carrie, I really appreciate your being on our team. Your client conversion rates are outstanding. That’s why we really need your input in this meeting. I know you have things to talk to Tom about, but please share your insights with the committee. We depend on you. Thanks for all you do.”

Now at the same time I walk over to put a note on Carrie’s notebook or table space, I also give notes to Sam, Sheila and Dan. However, their notes say something different, variations of the following:

“It is so wonderful to see you today. Thanks for all the hard work you do. Excellent insights. Please know you’re appreciated.”

My staff, or when I was an instructor, my class, got used to seeing me pass out notes on a regular basis. They know the majority are positive. Some have no idea corrective notes go out at all, so there is no stigma. Just a quick note and the meeting is back on track.

I share my sticky note enthusiasm in my marketing as well. When serving on boards or committees, I stick notes of appreciation on members’ files, coffee cups, etc. I do what I can to brighten people’s days, evoke a little joy in the routine.

I read an article once (Don’t you hate it when you can’t remember something and that feeling just sticks with you-I have that right now; if you know the article I’m referring to, please contact me) that stated attaching a handwritten sticky note to reports, sales letters, etc., increases the likelihood of a positive reaction by the recipient. A quick little note makes the typed pages look much more personal and inviting. I have found this to be true as well.

Thank you, Dr. Art Fry, for inventing the Post-it® Note. You have enriched my life beyond measure, from sticking notes on my friends to organizing the boardroom.

Leave a comment below and let me know what seemingly simple supply has enriched your life.