Non-monetary Awards

i.e. Knick Knacks with Purpose

aka Memory Junk

 

There are all sorts of awards that can be given out and I must admit that the cash gift or gift card is always a winner.  But is there something better?  In high school I received a number of trophies for various endeavors like 3rd place for Bible Memory, 3rd place for biggest fish, 3rd place for the pogo stick marathon.  In fact I seem to collect 3rd place trophies.  Why do we give out trophies and awards?  Is it the right thing to do?

 

Better than a cash gift, more valuable than a trophy, the hand made, one of a kind item that reminds you of a job well done is the best award possible.  There are four reasons that a non-monetary award is a good idea:  Remembrance of the event, recognition of right actions, rejoicing together, and results will be accounted for.

 

Remembrance of the event

A good award in some way reminds you of an event.  I carry a leatherman that was given to me as an award at the completion of one of our buildings.  I am reminded whenever I use the leatherman of that event.  Many times in scripture we are commanded to remember what God has done and even the children of Israel carried with them several reminders of God’s work.

 

Recognition of Right Actions

I Cor. 12:23 tells us to bestow more honor on the uncomely parts.  An award is a great excuse to recognize and even honor some one who is doing it right.  This recognition is an encouragement to the rest of us to do right and to the recipient to keep up the good work.

 

Rejoice Together

I Cor 12:26 goes on to say that we suffer together and we rejoice together.  An award is a method by which we rejoice together in an accomplishment or milestone.

 

Results will be accounted for

Eccl. 12:13-14 makes it clear that we are accountable.  An award lets folks know in a positive way that accountability is a reality.  This is one of the reasons not to cheapen awards by giving one out to everyone.  Notice the details that make the award mean something.

 

Practical Suggestions

  • Start a collection of award parts.  Anything that I see unusual or unique I add to my stash of award parts.  Right now this staff fills 4 plastic containers but you never know what you might need.
  • Use the award time as an opportunity to tell a story.  In essence for us the award just tells everyone that the story is finished but the telling of the story is the important part.  Make sure the story emphasized the positive characteristics that you want your team to have.
  • Rarely the same award twice in a row – a trophy  signifies first, second or third place but a unique award with a unique title now becomes the only award like it in the world.  That kind of rarity is what makes people put them in their office.  They mean something and they tell a story.
  • Super glue, glue guns, sharpies, rope, and wire are your best friends in your award making career.  Don’t take yourself too seriously.
  • Whiff its – We have an award called a “Whiff it” which is given to folks who made a mistake, an oops, or a hmmmm.  This award started as a way for me to know all the bad things that happened during a week but has evolved into a camaraderie award that lets folks know that even though they mess up they are still part of the team.

 

As I sit in my office writing this article I am surrounded by items to remind me to nail the details, not be distracted by the toys of life and to be broken for Christ.  Everybody needs a reminder now and then . . . go make an award.