Thumbs-up Emojis Won't Build Relationships

LinkedIn post (Nov 24, 2024)

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁: nobody ever got a promotion or closed a big deal because of a perfectly timed 👍. Emojis don’t build relationships. Yet in today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world, we’ve let quick reactions and one-word replies become the default. Here’s the thing: relationships drive results, and relationships are built on genuine, human connections. The personal touch isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s your competitive edge.  

When was the last time an emoji made someone feel truly valued? Compare that to a quick "Great insight during the meeting today" or someone remembering to ask about your big weekend plans. Those small gestures don’t just cut through the noise—they stick. They say, "You matter," and in a business world packed with deadlines and distractions, that’s unforgettable.  

Sure, putting in the effort to personalize your communication takes time, but here’s the irony: the simpler, human interactions are often the most impactful. It’s about showing you care in the moments that matter.  

Here are 5 ways to bring the personal touch back into your professional life:  

1️⃣ 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀  

   Listen for small but meaningful things people mention—a milestone, a favorite hobby, or a goal they’re working on. Follow up with a quick "How’s the marathon training coming?" or share an article tied to their interests.  

2️⃣ 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲

   Not every message needs a reason. Drop someone a quick note: "Your presentation really landed with the team—great job" or "I thought of you when I saw this article." These little surprises can transform a professional relationship.  

3️⃣ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 

   A well-timed joke or personal reference can go a long way. If a client mentioned their love of cats, send them a funny (and appropriate) meme when the moment calls for it. Humor breaks down barriers and builds rapport.  

4️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆

   Recognize contributions in meetings or emails, but also send a private note like, "Your work on this project was exceptional—it made all the difference." A mix of public and private appreciation is powerful.  

5️⃣ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀  

   Ditch the standard "Hope you’re well" and opt for something tailored: "How’s your big move going?" or "Did your team enjoy the game this weekend?" Specificity shows you’re paying attention and invested.  

𝗡𝗼𝘄, 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Today, pick three people—a colleague, a client, or even a mentor—and try one of these approaches. Send a thoughtful message, acknowledge their recent efforts, or follow up on something they’ve shared with you. Start small, but start now. In a world of quick reactions and endless distractions, being intentional is how you stand out—and how you lead with impact.

#Innovation  #PersonalBranding  #Motivation  #HumanResources  #Futurism