The Audrey Hepburn guide to employee recognition

The actress’s letter to Henry Mancini, the composer for ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ is a prime example of how to acknowledge employees for a job well done.

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(Editor’s note: This was one of the top viewed stories of 2015. We’re rerunning it as part of a look back at the articles that captivated our readers the most.)

What are your top five favorite movies? I won’t admit all of mine, but “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is definitely one. I’m a huge Audrey Hepburn fan.

I share this because of a book I recently read called “Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.” by Sam Wasson. The book is about the making of the movie, including the making of Audrey Hepburn as an actress.

What does this have to do with employee recognition? A letter that Hepburn wrote to Henry Mancini (the man who composed the music for the movie) is a case study in how to write a good recognition message.

Here’s the letter:

Dear Henry,

I have just seen our picture—BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S—this time with your score.

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