We are such a technology focused society today.  (Look at how many IPhone 4’s Apple sold in one week.)  We want it fast.  We want it to be slick.  We want it now!  I had an experience this week that reminded me that the power of “fast,” “slick” and “now!” can be balanced with a simple ballpoint pen.

Two weeks ago, my 9-year old son attended summer camp with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.  His music teacher recommended him for participation.  He had a great time and the week ended with an amazing concert performed by 800 children from all around central Indiana.

I got home from work last night and in the middle of the stack of sale flyers and bills was a little envelope with a hand-written address for my son.  It was a note from his music teacher telling him how proud she was of him.  She attended the concert and told him she could see and hear what a wonderful job he’d done.  Then, she wished him a “Happy Summer” and her note was finished.  My son, of course, was thrilled to get mail.  I was blown away by the thoughtfulness of a teacher taking a moment to make an impact on my son’s life.

You know, I used to keep a box of note cards in my desk.  I’d send handwritten notes to my call center agents when they got great monitoring scores…or when they got a promotion…or when I caught them doing something good.  I once visited a call center where the company president required his senior management team send him news about employees so he could send them hand-written notes.  You could see them hanging on the walls of cubicles all around the building.

We’ve got all kinds of management training for how to discipline and fire employees.  Here’s a suggestion for motivation that will cost you next-to-nothing.  Try sending a genuine, hand-written note thanking them for doing a good job.  The power of the pen creates incredible loyalty in the lives you impact by taking a moment to show you care.