We know that appreciation and acknowledgement of those who help us is important in all aspects of our lives, and yet in the workplace we struggle with gratitude the most. Do I say thank you for the obvious ("Thanks for coming in on time")? If I thank one person, do I need to thank the one sitting next to them too? Do I need to write a thank you note? Does there need to be some sort of reward to go with it too?

In some workplaces, appreciation is so rare that people wonder if anyone sees or cares about their hard work. On the other end of the spectrum, you have managers who say thank you so often that it can becomes meaningless or appears inauthentic.

What do you do? Believe it or not, meaningful recognition is easier than you think. There are 7 key characteristics to keep in mind that can make your praise truly powerful every time.

1. Keep it informal. It doesn't need to be written or part of a scheduled 1x1 or employee recognition program.
2. Make it timely—as soon as possible after the event.
3. Embrace the unexpected. It's super powerful when people don't expect to hear praise about a particular thing (perhaps a problematic project) or at a particular time and place.
4. Make it personalized. What did they specifically contribute that was helpful? What can you say to them that couldn't be said to another team member? 
5. Be genuine. Feel/convey the gratitude when you express your appreciation—don't just say it to say it. To get into the right state of mind, think about what would have happened if they hadn't done what they did. Where would your team be now?
6. Do it verbally and face to face if possible, as tone and body language speaks volumes. Timely is more important, however, so if you can't see the person within 24 hours, then use another mode of communication.
7. And lastly and most importantly: Say what it meant to you. So often we simply say "thank you!" (or even "thx!"). I too am guilty of this with friends and family. But when it comes to work relationships, where bonds may not be as strong or intent not as clear, it's important to take the time to say what it meant to you (or the company) to have their help. Express the impact of their contribution. Try something like:

• Because you dealt with that issue, it made it possible for me to have uninterrupted time to finish a critical project that’s been on my plate.
• Because you went above and beyond to meet the deadline early, the client was thrilled and referred someone else to us, which means we’ll meet our sales goals for the week.
• Because you stayed late, it meant I could go see my daughter’s soccer game, and she was so happy to see me in the stands.
• Your leadership and integrity in this situation has meant that we won’t lose a key account.
• Because you figured out this problem, we’re able to truly move forward on the new product line that will give our company an incredible strategic advantage.

So right now, take that thank you note you've been meaning to write off your to-do list. Instead, walk over to who you want to acknowledge, with gratitude in your heart, look them in the eye, thank them, and express the impact of their help. You'll be amazed how easy it is—and what an impact it makes, not just on them but also on you.

And no, it doesn't need to be accompanied by a gift card. (This can sometimes even cheapen the contribution made by the individual.) Trust us—real deal appreciation trumps a gift card every time.