The Power of a Handwritten Note
- Mary Beth Crawford
- Aug 2, 2024
- 4 min read
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur Ward
With this insight, Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo, embarked on a unique and personal initiative. She began writing letters to the parents of her senior executives, expressing gratitude for the upbringing and values they had instilled in their children.
Over the past few months, I've been decluttering my house of 20 years of accumulated stuff—a task fit for a team of hoarding cleanup professionals. It's been excruciatingly slow, and I've touched almost every item, attempting to make thoughtful decisions about what brings us joy, a là the KonMari method (aka "Does this spark joy?"). Some decisions were easy. Others, like deciding the fate of my 40 Christmas mugs, are still up for debate.
One area that was clear-cut: handwritten notes. I've kept almost every handwritten note I've received in my adult life. During my decluttering, I spent hours re-reading them all (Rick didn't think that was the best use of my time, but it sparked joy!). These notes, especially those from leaders and co-workers over my 30+ year career, all went into the keep pile.
In the workplace, recognition can take many forms. Some people love public praise, while others cringe at the thought. It's essential to ask your employees what they prefer. But one method of recognition about which I've never heard anyone object is the handwritten note. My advice? If you're thinking about writing a note, just do it. Re-reading my own collection made me wish I'd written more notes to others. So, I've ordered new stationery and committed to doing better. After all, recognition is crucial in building a people-first culture, and a handwritten note costs nothing.
"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." Margaret Cousins
Serendipitously, just days after my nostalgic note re-read session, I stumbled upon a business anecdote that particularly resonated with me: the story of Indra Nooyi's touching handwritten note tribute during her tenure as CEO of PepsiCo. In a world where numbers and metrics often overshadow personal connections, Nooyi's unique approach to leadership shone brightly. One of her most heartfelt and well-received gestures was sending personalized notes to the parents of her senior executives.
A Moment of Reflection
The story begins in India, during a visit Nooyi made to her mother. As she spent time with her family, a steady stream of visitors arrived to congratulate her mother on Nooyi's accomplishments. This outpouring of appreciation made Nooyi pause and reflect on the profound influence parents have on their children's success.
Back in the United States, Nooyi couldn't shake off the thought of how her achievements were deeply rooted in the values and support her parents had provided. She realized that behind every successful executive at PepsiCo were parents who had played a crucial role in shaping their children's character and work ethic.
A Heartfelt Initiative
With this insight, Nooyi embarked on a unique and personal initiative. She began writing letters to the parents of her senior executives, expressing gratitude for the upbringing and values they had instilled in their children. These weren't just generic notes; they were deeply personalized messages, highlighting the specific contributions of each executive to PepsiCo's success.
In her letters, Nooyi shared anecdotes and examples of how the executives had excelled in their roles, attributing their achievements to the strong foundation laid by their parents. She thanked the parents for their sacrifices, guidance, and love, acknowledging that these factors had significantly contributed to their children's success and, by extension, to the success of PepsiCo.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of Nooyi's letters was profound. Many parents responded with overwhelming pride and emotion, often framing the letters as cherished keepsakes. For the executives, this gesture went beyond professional recognition; it touched a deeply personal chord. It reinforced the connection between their personal lives and their professional accomplishments, making them feel valued and appreciated in a way that few corporate leaders ever achieve.
A Lesson in Leadership
This story of Indra Nooyi's letters offers valuable lessons in leadership. It demonstrates that recognizing and valuing the personal lives of employees can significantly boost morale and foster a sense of belonging within an organization. Nooyi's thoughtful gesture encouraged other leaders to consider more personal and empathetic ways of acknowledging their teams' efforts.
In a world where corporate success is often measured in dollars and cents, Nooyi's initiative reminds us of the power of human connection. It highlights how small, heartfelt actions can create lasting bonds and inspire loyalty and dedication among employees.
Conclusion
Indra Nooyi's decision to send personalized notes to the parents of her senior executives is a testament to her compassionate and inclusive leadership style. This story showcases her deep appreciation for her team and underscores the importance of family and cultural values in the workplace. Through this simple yet profound gesture, Nooyi strengthened the bonds within the PepsiCo family and set an enduring example of thoughtful and empathetic leadership.
As we navigate our own leadership journeys and aspire to transform our organizational cultures with a people-first mindset, may we remember the impact of genuine appreciation and the power of personal connection. Taking the time to write a handwritten note might seem small, but it can make a world of difference. I challenge you to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Indra Nooyi and bring back the lost art of the handwritten note. Engagement will undoubtedly climb, and your employees just might treasure it for years to come.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou
