I recently received the following e-mail message:

Jim,

I have one question for you concerning the employee recognition project.

What do you expect to achieve by implementing an employee recognition plan?

We've been talking in our management meetings about employee recognition. In one discussion we were told that weekly recognition/input is something important for all of us. We are trying to do a better job of recognition.

One idea that has been thoroughly explored is creating an employee recognition committee. The Drucker article exploring the effectiveness of committees got me wondering. What could we do around UEN to make use of committees? Coupling that with the question, "How can we do a better job of recognizing superior performance?" The answer was to form the recognition committee.

The e-mail message was from a member of that committee. I responded:

I wish I had only one answer. I have several objectives in creating a forum for regularly and systematically recognizing superior performance by our employees.

The bottom line is to show appreciation for those who go above and beyond expectations. The purpose of the committee is to meet the needs of the staff. I have been asked on several occasions to make recognition more consistent and more meaningful. I want the recognition committee to help in those three areas. (1. Recognition of superior performance; 2. Consistent recognition; 3. Meaningful recognition)

A fourth objective is somewhat selfish. I have been regularly criticized for the unimaginative forms of recognition. So I would like to have a group that understands the limitations placed by the University and State and also brings new ideas to the department that may show more imagination and will also be within the constraints placed by our fine institution. I hope that helps. If you want more info please set some time to sit down and talk...... Jim

So, the committee is organized. I fully support their work. Good luck. I'll let you know how it works out............
9:49:56 PM    comment []