Become a better manager Join Mind Tools
Gain essential management and leadership skills
Busy schedule? No problem. Learn anytime, anywhere. Subscribe to unlimited access to meticulously researched, evidence-based resources. Join today!
Join Mind Tools
MAIN MENU

Sign-up to our newsletter

Subscribing to the Mind Tools newsletter will keep you up-to-date with our latest updates and newest resources.

Close
Working on it...
Successfully subscribed to the newsletter
Sorry, something went wrong
January 30, 2017

Awards, Rewards and Recognition

Keith Jackson

,

Share this post:

It's the change from one season to the next. Christmas trees have been taken down, twinkling lights no longer adorn suburban homes, the last of the turkey has finally been used up... We're now into Awards Season!

And this new season is still one for giving.  Here in the U.K., we've had the traditional New Year debate about the merits of the honors system.

Many people applaud royal recognition of those who have devoted years to public service, or who have championed good causes in their local communities. And an equal number criticize honors as undeserved "gongs" for "establishment cronies."

The worlds of literature, theater, movies, and TV will also be rolling out the red carpet as Golden Globes, Oscars, BAFTAs, and the like are handed to tearful recipients in tuxedos and "posh frocks."

But glittering award ceremonies are not solely the preserve of celebrities. Almost every industry or trade, and even individual organizations, have their own accolades.

No matter what your job is, chances are you can find a regional or national award scheme to recognize excellence in that role.

A bit of a confession here. Many moons ago, as a young and keen newspaper journalist, I sometimes (OK, quite often!) had half an eye on the career-boosting likelihood of an award. I’d be working on a cracking story and think, "If this doesn’t put me in the running for Reporter of the Year, I’ll eat my hat!" I ate a lot of hats. But, happily, I did add a few laurels to my resumé over the years.

Awards Offer a Valuable Advantage

Chasing a few gongs wasn’t just vanity or a desperate need for recognition or validation. It was both a motivational exercise and a career move.

If you're trying to stand out or make your mark in a highly competitive job market, then having industry-recognized awards to your name could give you a valuable advantage. It also doesn't hurt when it comes to salary review time with your employer.

For many people, the work they do is its own reward. They are the lucky ones who have found real personal value in their jobs. If your job is also your "calling," then chances are rewards and recognition are less important to you.

I don't know many nurses, teachers, carers, or charity workers who do it for the recognition. In fact, to my mind, even the salaries that they get seem scant reward for the pressures and stress that they endure.

Rewards don't need to be engraved crystal ornaments or silver-plated trophies. There are ways for leaders and managers to show their appreciation of hard-working or high-achieving team members. As our article, Rewarding Your Team, explains, it can be anything from a sincere "thank you" to a bonus day off or a team lunch on the company tab.

If you think that your good work goes unnoticed and unappreciated, there are ways you can bring it to your boss’s attention without coming across as boastful. Our article, Get the Recognition You Deserve, can help you to do this.

Does the prospect of awards and recognition motivate you to perform better? Share your comment in the box, below.

Share this post:

2 comments on “Awards, Rewards and Recognition”

  1. The value of any actual award pales in comparison to the joy of feeling, "Hey, they notice me and appreciate my contribution!" Good timing for this reminder at the start of the new year. Thanks.

    1. Great point Bruce about the feelings we get when what we do get noticed and appreciated! We can recall those feelings with great pride that we have been seen.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Gain essential management and leadership skills

Busy schedule? No problem. Learn anytime, anywhere. Subscribe to unlimited access to meticulously researched, evidence-based resources. Join today!
Get started

You may also like...

November 16, 2023

Digging Into Conflict: How to "Play Nice" at Work

"It leads to what the author calls “assertive play” – not brick-on-skull assertive, but self-confident engagement, where people know they have things to contribute, and stake their claim."- Jonathan Hancock

, ,

October 11, 2023

Accepting Praise – How to Own Your Achievements

There's a lot of advice on giving praise, but how can we accept it gracefully? Mind Tools' Assistant Content Editor, Alice Gledhill, explores why accepting praise can be so difficult.

, ,

September 28, 2023

How to Find a Right-Fit Job: My Expert Interview With André Martin 

For a long-lasting, fulfilling experience at work, it pays to think carefully before applying for a job.

,

© Mind Tools Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. "Mind Tools" is a registered trademark of Mind Tools Ltd.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram