It can be really hard to thank everyone who is involved in making your project happen, right down to the executive assistant who took messages while you were in a meeting. I was a receptionist for three years in high school at a car dealership, and then again, 4 years later, while I was breaking into creative work at PARTNERS+Simons. And I still remember the people who took the time to thank me. Car dealers would thank me for sending them client calls. Account Executives would thank me for booking conference rooms and ordering food for their meetings. And when they needed a favor, it was always a pleasure to help them out because they had made the time to see me.

Their acknowledgment made me feel less like 'the help', and more like a partner—including my job title at P+s, The Director of First Impressions, (thank you, Tom Simons). I bring this up because I continue to really appreciate being acknowledged for my work (like most of us). My love language is words of affirmation, and even if yours isn’t, it’s nice to be told thank you. I know that I will work the extra mile for a client that is genuine and kind and complimentary.

This week, I am finishing up a project with a client who, in every interaction, has found a way to encourage and applaud the work, while kindly asking for changes. We all know that we get more flies with honey, but it is such a nice reminder when you get to work with someone that is over-the-top awesome!