A recent study shows that adding a sticky note to a task can bring impressive results. It adds a personal touch and causes the person to feel like you are asking a favor of them.
In the study...
- Group 1 received a survey with a sticky note attached asking for the return of the completed survey.
- Group 2 received a survey with the same handwritten message on the cover letter instead of an attached sticky note.
- Group 3 received a survey with a cover letter, but no handwritten message.
- Group 3: 36% returned the survey.
- Group 2: 48% returned the survey.
- Group 1: 76% of returned the survey.
- The sticky note takes up space and looks a bit cluttered. The brain, therefore, wants it gone.
- It gets attention first because of #1. It’s difficult to ignore.
- It’s personalized.
- Ultimately, the sticky note represents one person communicating with another important person—almost as if it is a favor or special request, which makes the recipient feel important.
