Since I started in technology I've always kept my eyes open for chances to do this.
I'm a "career-switcher" who came from commercial aviation operations. In the airlines one of the big fears was to get a 'write-up' in your file, either from a teammate, or manager, or customer.
But, on the flip side, there was nothing better than to get an "atta-boy" letter from any of those same people. (Within the company the same form could be used: ours was called an "Unusual Occurrence Report", and it could be submitted for good outcomes/performances as well as mishaps/poor performances.
I brought this same idea with me when I started in technology. I probably should have sent more of these messages than I have, but still, it's nice to know that you're helping a colleague get some positive attention from their managers. We all know that in the corporate world praise is hard to come by, and it only takes a few minutes to write a email retelling how someone saved the day.
I'm a "career-switcher" who came from commercial aviation operations. In the airlines one of the big fears was to get a 'write-up' in your file, either from a teammate, or manager, or customer.
But, on the flip side, there was nothing better than to get an "atta-boy" letter from any of those same people. (Within the company the same form could be used: ours was called an "Unusual Occurrence Report", and it could be submitted for good outcomes/performances as well as mishaps/poor performances.
I brought this same idea with me when I started in technology. I probably should have sent more of these messages than I have, but still, it's nice to know that you're helping a colleague get some positive attention from their managers. We all know that in the corporate world praise is hard to come by, and it only takes a few minutes to write a email retelling how someone saved the day.