The Leadership Power of a Handwritten Thank-You Note
Jul 04, 2025
In a world full of emails, pings, and digital noise, a handwritten thank-you note can cut through with unexpected impact. During the pandemic, Michael Cottam began ending each week by writing and mailing personal notes to his team members—a practice that stuck, and one he reflects on in the Ovation episode of the Engaged By Design podcast.
This act of gratitude wasn’t flashy or time-consuming. But it was intentional. It helped Michael notice great work more regularly and express appreciation in a way that was clear, sincere, and memorable. Some team members even kept their notes for years, pinned up in workspaces as daily reminders of their value.
As leaders, it’s easy to let thanks slip into routine. But meaningful Ovation comes from slowing down, getting specific, and making appreciation tangible. You don’t have to be eloquent—you just have to be present. And a thank-you card might be the simplest leadership tool you’re not using.
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