Present Like a Pro: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO GIVING AWARDS

Present Like a Pro: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO GIVING AWARDS Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards 2016 RecogNation recognation.com 1

As a leader, building relationships with your team is one of your most important responsibilities. Think about the way you communicate and interface with them. Is it all just handing out assignments and setting deadlines? We hope not! After all, your employees aren t robots. They don t want to be controlled or programmed; they want to feel like they have a voice in the conversation. That there even IS a conversation. Giving recognition creates that exchange between managers and employees and provides the face time and interpersonal interactions that employees crave. And, it brings humanity into the picture. It says: you re important, you re worth my time, you re not just another number. ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS, WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE? It depends. Sometimes a verbal thank you or a high five is all that is needed. From there it can escalate to an ecard or handwritten note or a small appreciation gift. Trust your gut and go with what feels proportionate to the activity or behavior you re recognizing. Then there are awards. Awards are special. They mean something more noteworthy happened on your team, like an anniversary, a big win, or above and beyond performance. But the awards themselves are just part of the story. How you present them will make or break the occasion. Your goal is to make it. HOW WILL YOU DO THAT? Part of getting it right is understanding the weight of the moment. Overdoing it can be awkward; underdoing it can be disappointing. Determining if your award presentation should be formal or informal should be your first step. Informal award presentations are usually given for service anniversaries, points programs, and shortterm contests and initiatives. They can be given to individuals or groups in a casual setting on site or even in the employees workspaces. Formal award presentations typically happen at year end or on a specified date. Think: yearly awards, retirements, and, in certain instances, milestone anniversaries. They are more likely to be presented at a company party or in a ceremony-type setting. Once you know the format, then what? Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards 2016 RecogNation recognation.com 2

Giving Informal Awards Let s start with informal awards. They re simpler, yes, but you still need to prepare. THE PLANNING AND EXECUTION: 4 Identify who you are recognizing: An individual or a group For the same or different reasons 4 Decide if you want to recognize in a public (cafeteria or auditorium) or private setting (in the work area). NOTE: It s important to know your awardees preferences, so be sure to refer to the Tell Us About You forms you ve collected. 4 Make sure all of your presentation materials are in order and ready to give. 4 Write down some notes: Who is being recognized Why or for what reason How it positively impacts the organization A reminder to yourself to say thank you at the end 4 Gather your presentation materials. 4 Present in person, using your notes as a guide. NOTE: The presentation can be done by visiting the recipient s workspace, or by introducing them at a company meeting. Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards 2016 RecogNation recognation.com 3

Giving Formal Awards If you decide you want a formal presentation, you have a bit more to do, but it will be absolutely worth it. Because your task is more involved, we ve broken it down into two parts. THE PLANNING: THE EXECUTION: 1 Fill out the guide provided. 1 Thank your audience for coming. 2 Prepare a speech and note cards following 2 Announce the purpose of the ceremony. the flow of the guide. 3 Depending on what feels most appropriate, either: 3 Consider what you might wear (all eyes will a. Invite the recipient to join you, using his/her full name. be on you and the recipient!). Then, give your speech. b. Add an element of surprise by giving your speech, then 4 Ensure your presentation materials are ready introducing the recipient as the winner of the award. at least two days in advance. 4 In either approach, be sure to express 5 Practice, practice, and practice some more. sincerity and enthusiasm, offer a hearty handshake, and welcome the audience to join in your congratulations. Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards 2016 RecogNation recognation.com 4

A Few Dos, Don ts, and Reminders: DO: 4 Use your notecards to stay on track. 4 Be personal and specific. 4 Make eye contact with the recipient. 4 Remain positive at all times. DON T: 4 Wait until the last minute to prepare. 4 Outline every single accomplishment. 4 Make comparisons with past or current team members. 4 Forget to smile and say thank you. REMEMBER: 4 The primary goal is to provide meaningful recognition while inspiring your team to meet their potential. 4 Your Award Presentation Guide is your friend. Use it to ensure a thorough and effective presentation. 4 Preparation, whether for a formal or informal presentation, is necessary for your success. 4 When giving a service award or spot recognition, timeliness matters! Don t be tardy or the moment will lose its impact. 4 Show fairness when presenting formal or informal awards based on behaviors or values. Be consistent to avoid showing bias or favoritism. Have questions or need additional support? Call us at 888.919.7600! Also, take advantage of these helpful free downloads: Tell Us About You Form Presentation Checklist Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards 2016 RecogNation recognation.com 5

Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards 2016 RecogNation recognation.com 6

Award Presentation Guide The most important part of an award presentation is the speech you deliver. In a few minutes, you need to convey the value of the award and the worthiness of the recipient. Complete this guide to ensure you don t miss any important award presentation details! If you can t fill in one of the fields, ask the recipient s co-workers, manager, or family friend to help. TIPS: MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO PRONOUNCE IT! Recipient Name: Date of Hire: Team/Department: EXPLAIN THE RECIPIENT S ROLE AT THE ORGANIZATION. Current Title & Responsibilities: Award Title: WHAT DOES THIS AWARD HONOR? HOW DOES ONE EARN IT? Award Description: WHAT MAKES THE RECIPIENT OUTSTANDING? Specific Contributions to Organization: Any specific projects or goals that exceeded expectations? WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE RECIPIENT AS A MODEL EMPLOYEE? How does the recipient exemplify organization values? HUMOR ADDS A LOT OF INTEREST TO AN AWARD PRESENTATION, BUT MAKE SURE IT S APPROPRIATE AND DOESN T EMBARASS THE RECIPIENT. Humorous Stories: OFTEN, THE RECIPIENT S #1 FAN ISN T AT YOUR ORGANIZATION. Spouse & Children Names: MENTION OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE RECIPIENT S CHARACTER. Activities outside the organization: NEXT STEPS: Now that you ve completed the guide, write your award presentation speech. Then practice, practice, practice! Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards AWARD PRESENTATION GUIDE 2016 RecogNation recognation.com

Tell Us About You! PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION Name: Date: Department: Title: ABOUT YOU Birthday: Home Address: Home Telephone Number: Family Member Names (Optional) Relationship: Pets: Personal/Professional Accomplishments: Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards TELL US ABOUT YOU FORM 2016 RecogNation recognation.com

PERSONAL PREFERENCES I prefer to be recognized: Publicly Privately No Preference I feel more motivated when I am recognized by: Peers Management Executives No Preference YOUR FAVORITES Go-To Snacks: Hobbies or Interests: Music Preference: Restaurants: Other Activities: Present Like a Pro: A Practical Guide to Giving Awards TELL US ABOUT YOU FORM 2016 RecogNation recognation.com