Recognizing And Celebrating Your Company’s Unsung Heroes
Right now in your company there are “unsung heroes” whose quiet dedication and, yes, devotion are keeping you in business. These are the people who
* don’t complain * are present for work on time * gladly help out as necessary * are selfless and always focused on the good of the business and its employees.
Every business has such people.
Every business relies on them.
Unfortunately, these fortunate businesses often take such jewels for granted. That will never do.
1) Identify the “unsung heroes” of your company.
The better you know your employees, the easier selecting your “unsung heroes” will be. When you come to think about it, you’ll know right away who has done much for you and is deserving of special recognition.
2) Have a classy recognition event.
Bringing in a couple of pizzas and saying some nice words about the employee/s in question may be ok for ordinary “thanks”, but when an “unsung hero” is being celebrated that is most assuredly not good enough.
3) Say it with silver
For hundreds of years, important occasions have been celebrated by the presentation of silver objects. Why? Because silver represents value, permanence, and something splendid to show family and friends.
Such objects must ALWAYS be sterling (not plate) and must ALWAYS feature a celebratory inscription:
“For (name) for exemplary service since (date). From your friends and colleagues at (name of company.) (date of presentation.)
4) Include a check
Whenever possible, you should also present your “unsung hero” with a check for at least $1000. Remember, you are recognizing one of the keys to your success. Reward this valuable person accordingly.
5) Hold a recognition event
Remember, for the person you are honoring, whatever you do will quite probably be unique in her life. Thus, if you do the thing, do the thing right. This means holding some kind of recognition event. In our busy times, luncheons are recommended.
Have it at a local restaurant with a function room. Make sure to get your hero’s name on the facility’s calendar of events .
6) Invite your hero’s family and friends
Again, remember that this event will quite probably be unique in your hero’s life. Thus, make it a point to invite family and friends to attend. Let them see in what regard you hold the honoree.
7) Get the day declared in her honor
Every public official from the President of the United States down has the ability to help you recognize your “unsung hero.” How?
At least 30 days before the event send a letter to
* the governor of your state, or
* the mayor of your town, or
* your state representative or state senator.
All of them have resplendent certificates readily available into which they can insert wording provided by you. If you ask them to attend your event to present the certificate themselves, they may well do so! This provides an extra level of importance.
Note: if the service of your “unsung hero” has been particularly noteworthy, do not hesitate to write the president. You may well get a telegram or letter or, even, (it happens) a phone call from the president himself… and that would surely make your event notable!
8) Take lots of pictures. Post them on your website.
This is the moment for all shutterbugs. The more pictures you take, the better. Post them prominently on your website.
9) Deliver heartfelt, gracious, sincere remarks. Don’t stint on the compliments.
Talk from the heart about this person and what she has done. Remember, she has been one of the reasons for your success. Now is the moment to say so with grace, felicity and warmth. Be sure to record your words and give these, too, to your star.)
Last Words
We all mean to take the time and trouble to publicly thank and honor the good folks who keep our company going. But life has a way of getting away from us. That’s why you need to make honoring your heroes a matter of priority and importance. They have served you well. Now do what is called for to recognize them for all their services. It is right and proper.
Author Bio: Harvard-educated Dr. Jeffrey Lant is CEO of Worldprofit, Inc., http://www.worldprofit.com where small and home-based businesses learn how to profit online. Attend Dr. Lant’s live webcast TODAY and receive 50,000 free guaranteed visitors to the website of your choice! For details on Dr. Lant’s 18 best
Category: Business Management
Keywords: marketing,hero,employees,business