Maybe you’ve had a tough day and a co-worker helped you finish up a project. Or perhaps you experienced technical difficulties during a meeting and your client stuck with you while you got things back on track. Whatever the case may be, situations arise when you want to express your gratitude to your colleagues, bosses or clients.

Instead of resorting to the usual “thanks for your understanding,” Meg Prater, the managing editor of the HubSpot blog, recommends trying out some alternatives. We share her ideas in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

“I appreciate your flexibility.” If you’ve ever had to move a meeting or ask for more time on a project, you know how helpful it can be. Using this term conveys your gratitude for the other person’s willingness to accommodate your request.

“I appreciate you sticking with me.” When dealing with a particularly long email thread or getting to the bottom of a complex mistake, this wording can show how grateful you are that the other person stays by you.

“Thanks for listening.” Prater points out that we understand by listening. If a colleague or client understands why you have made a specific decision or taken a particular action, they have likely listened to what you said. That’s worth acknowledging, she says.

“Thanks for your compassion.” We all goof up sometimes. When you acknowledge your mistake in an apology email, Prater says it’s a good idea to mention the other person’s compassion and your appreciation for it.

“I’m thankful for your support and understanding.” While understanding doesn’t always mean support, notes Prater, it does in some situations. For example, if a colleague stands up for you in a team meeting, follow up with that person to express your gratitude.

“I’m grateful for your commitment to working though this.” Some issues take time to correct or work through. Whether you’ve lost important files or a client received the wrong products, remember to thank the people involved for working with you while you get things right.

“Thanks for your expression of faith in my abilities.” Did your boss assign you to a particularly challenging account? Did a buyer decide to take a chance on you? Make sure their belief in you doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I value your trust.” When someone recommends you, whether for a job or to give a presentation, it means they trust you enough to give you that opportunity, notes Prater. This phrase can help you convey what that means to you.

“Thanks for your encouragement.” It can lift your spirits to know you have someone on your side when you are going through something rough. Whether a client shows understanding about a mistake or a colleague cheers you on through a difficult time, this wording can show your gratitude.

While there’s nothing wrong with simply saying “thanks for your understanding,” the alternatives above allow you to get more specific with your gratitude. The next time you want to express appreciation to a client, co-worker or boss, try to be more precise by using one of the phrases above.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Meg Prater is the managing editor of the HubSpot blog.