Personalize your Gratitude at Work

When I was wrapping up my internship at Microsoft back in 2008, the OFS team decided to give me a little farewell lunch.

While I was thrilled at this prospect, I was also a bit nervous. I was concerned they they'd pick a non-Halal restaurant and I'd have to decline.

Then, came that email from the Group Program Manager at the time: "Guys, we need to pick a Halal-icious place for Aatir."

I wasn't just relieved. I was ecstatic.

Along with that, I was invited to take a private ride with him on his sparkling Porsche from the office to the restaurant during which he shared some key career tips.

The internship was a tough one. But this gesture alone made it worthwhile.

Regardless of what others said about Microsoft in the years after, it still carried a special place in my heart because of that memory.

So, when you show appreciation for colleagues, personalize it. Make it memorable.

It sometimes takes a second of care to unlock unbridled loyalty.