Episode 535 - The Power of the Handwritten Word

This episode explores why handwritten messages create lasting leadership impact, often being remembered for a lifetime while digital messages fade. Learn how a simple handwritten note can transform your leadership presence.

Host: Paul Falavolito
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• The Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI
  

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:04):
Helping leaders motivate their people to a higher level of
performance through strong human relations, team building and golachieving. This
is the seven minute Leadership Podcast with your host Paul Fellavaledo.

Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello everyone, and welcome to this seven minute leadership podcast.
It's episode five thirty five. Today, I want to talk
about something that feels almost lost in our digital world,
and that's the handwritten message. We live in a time
where we send text messages, emails, and instant messages by

(00:42):
the hundreds. They're quick, convenient and easy for all of us.
But here's the reality. Most of them get deleted, forgotten,
or lost in the scroll of an inbox. But a
handwritten note, that's something else entirely. Think about it. When
you receive a hand written letter, a thank you, carter,
even just a quick sticky note from someone, it hits differently.

(01:07):
The message lands deeper. Why Because it's personal, It took time,
it required intention, and it carries the unique touch of
the person who wrote it. Handwritten letters are so powerful
that people often keep them for years, sometimes a lifetime.
If you don't believe me, ask yourself, how many emails

(01:29):
have you saved from ten years ago? Probably none, But
how many handwritten notes do you still have in a box,
a drawer, or a tucked away in a book. Those notes,
even if they're decades old, still matter. You can pull
them out today, read them and feel that same emotion
as if they were written yesterday. As leaders, this is

(01:52):
a tool you can't ignore. Writing a handwritten note to
someone on your team, to a mentor, or to a partner,
tells them one thing, loud and clear. They mattered enough
for you to stop, grab a pen, and spend your
most valuable resource, your time, specifically on them, and that

(02:14):
action will be remembered far longer than any well crafted
email ever will. Here's an example. Imagine one of your
employees just went above and beyond for the organization. You
could send them an email thanking them and they'll appreciate it.
But if you take two minutes to write on a card,

(02:34):
I saw what you did. It mattered, and I thank
you for being part of this team. That card might
sit on their desk for months, it might end up
pinned to their bulletin board, and years later they might
still have it. That small gesture builds loyalty, trust and connection.

(02:55):
Leaders often search for ways to make a lasting impact.
But sometimes the simplest methods are the most powerful. A
handwritten note is physical, it's tactile. People can hold it,
feel the pen strokes, and see the imperfections that prove
it's real. That's why it resonates longer. So here's my

(03:18):
challenge to you today. Pick up a pen and write
one note, just one send it to someone who deserves recognition.
It doesn't have to be long. Two or three sentences
is all it takes. You'll be shocked at how far
that small action will carry. And if you make this
a habit, you'll build a reputation as the leader who

(03:41):
not only communicates but also connects. Leadership isn't always about
the big speeches or the dramatic moments. Sometimes it's about
a little card on someone's desk that makes them smile
and think they saw me and they valued me. And
that's the kind of memory that outlives your emails, your

(04:02):
meetings and your presentations. And if you're someone who struggles
with this, with not knowing how to kick off a
handwritten note, just go to my website Paulfolovalito dot com
and click on free stuff and scroll down and you'll
see my free leadership thank you.

Speaker 1 (04:21):
Kit.

Speaker 2 (04:22):
It's a template with five different intros for handwritten messages
to your team. Just click the link, enter your email
address and I'll send it to you immediately. This has
been the seven minute leadership podcast, and I thank you
for listening.

Speaker 1 (04:38):
For more Paul fell of Alito Podcasts, visit paulfellowalito dot com.