When writing a recognition eCard to a peer, it is necessary to be thoughtful in the message you are sending. Each individual is unique, and adding a personal touch to their eCard will make a difference in their career milestone celebration.
My experience in reaching 15 years with E2E Group, (previously Rideau Inc.), provided great insights to learn from with the emails and eCards that I received from leaders and peers alike.
Let’s look at some messages sent to me and learn more about the do’s and don’ts when expressing recognition in writing on a service anniversary card.
Don’ts: Short With No Emotional Connection
One eCard I received on my anniversary simply said, “Congratulations on your 15th anniversary with Engage2Excel!”
Most recognition programs ensure that managers and supervisors receive an email notification in advance to advise them of the upcoming milestone anniversaries in the company. This is a great reminder to help leaders acknowledge employees. However, even though this eCard recognized my career milestone, it did not include my name.
Of course, you select the person’s name it’s going to when you go through the eCard set up. Yet, it adds a little something more when the message is addressed to you.
Do’s #1: Taking the Recognition Up Several Notches
Hi Roy [there’s the personalization added to the message that was missing in the previous example].
Congratulations on 15 years with Engage2Excel [exactly the same words that were used above, except it didn’t stop there!]. You have accomplished SO much in your time here [acknowledgment of my past contributions], and I want you to know how much we appreciate your continued contributions and successes [appreciation for my present contributions].
You should be very proud of the legacy you’re leaving at our special company. On behalf of our company and our clients [ah, not just recognition from my organization, but also on behalf of the many clients I have continually served over 15-years], THANK YOU.
Cheers! [a warm, personal close].
If we examine the principles behind this personal message, which came from our new organization’s president to me, you will see:
- Personalization by using the person’s name and greeting in the text box of the eCard.
- Specific acknowledgment of the anniversary with the organization.
- Recognizing the individual for their past contributions.
- Recognizing the individual for their present contributions.
- Thanking the individual for all they do on behalf of the organization.
- Where appropriate, thank the individual on behalf of the organization’s customers, clients, or patients the individual has served.
- End with a warm and personal closing line.
Can you imagine how you would feel if you received an eCard with such a message? Yes, it takes a little more time and careful thought, but it feels authentic, and I appreciated it.
Do’s #2: Adding Thoughtful Comments Along with Liking
Most eCards sent out through online recognition programs appear in a social recognition newsfeed. This allows your colleagues to see that it is your anniversary. In fact, your peers can like the message that other people have sent to you.
I always advocate that besides liking a post or message, people should add a comment of their own as well.
Your comment does not need to be anywhere near as long as the original sender’s message. So, keep your message short and sweet.
Here’s an example of a comment that was added to a posting, “Always a pleasure and a great learning experience working with you, Roy! Congratulations on 15 years!!”
Do you see what they did there?
- Description of the connection the individual has with the recipient.
- Words that describe the positive benefits gained from working with the individual.
- Use of the person’s name in the comment.
- Ending off (could also start with this) acknowledging the anniversary.
Do’s #3: Unexpected eCard Messages from Peers
I also received several eCards and emails from various peers and previous bosses I have worked with over the past 15-years. This meant the world to me.
Let’s dissect one final eCard that stood out for me and see what we gain from it.
Happy Anniversary Roy! [so many people said congratulations that seeing the word “happy” made me smile as it really fit the person who sent the eCard].
You have given great advice and inspiration to all of us. You have always been supportive, always have a fantastic positive attitude and always have a smile on your face. [Three comments that gave a peer’s perspective on what they appreciated about me and my contribution on behalf of the organization]. I enjoyed the chats we had whenever we met at company events because you are easy to talk to and also happen to be super funny! [I liked this personal acknowledgment that conjured up several memories of these events].
I wish you all the best on this special day. [A personal and warm close].
Thank you, [a simple thank you!]
Did you pick up on these lessons to apply to eCard writing?
- Personalization with the use of the celebrant’s name and a warm greeting.
- Listing of things that you appreciate about the individual.
- Recalling treasured memories and experiences with the individual.
- Personal and warm close.
- Thanking the individual.
I read this eCard several times. It was special to me. In fact, it was the icing on the cake that triggered my wanting to write this post for you.
I sure hope you learned a lot from these examples. Now, go out and share this with others so that you send and receive much better quality, written eCards.
Happy anniversary to you whenever yours occurred or comes up, this year.
