In business practicing what you preach can really help you experience what the other end of the process feels like. It will help you to realise that with all the will in the world, ideas created from behind closed doors must be tested by being put to the people they will effect, and revised, and tested again, and reviewed and revised again… It’s only from this learning process will we be able to credibly ensure that we bring complete value to the proposition on the table.
http://www.johnsylvester.co.uk/practice-makes-perfect/
When we become a bit stagnant in learning we in turn become somewhat dormant in carrying our selves forward as a specialist in business.
Speaking from experience, being a provider of staff recognition schemes, we have been running our own in-house programmes since 2000. Through a total of 5 programme themes, we have learnt a lot from our own employees and have in turn developed a 10 point guide to establishing a successful recognition scheme.
- Peer to peer recognition works. This fosters a motivating & encouraging environment & boosts team morale. We included peer to peer nominations in our 2002 programme & have continued ever since.
- Make it fun! Our 2002 programme was more formal & business focused, based on our needs at that time. Our ensuing programmes came with the added element of fun, from employee events to dynamic website content to communications. It doesn’t have to cost the earth to engage.
- Reinforce your company values. Our programmes drive our company values. All nominations are made against one of our values, driving awareness & encouraging employees to live the values.
- Focus on what is important to your company. We introduced a prominent team element in our 2003 programme, which is a vital aspect of our company performance.
- Aim for continual improvement. We keep our programmes sustainable by encouraging ongoing improvement, not just ‘one off’ performances.
- Celebrate recognition! Recognition means nothing if it isn’t celebrated. We hold monthly award celebrations to showcase recognition & our winners.
- Involve employees in the process. We ask employees for feedback each year & use this to improve our programmes. The programme is also managed by our employees with the team being selected annually.
- Keep it current & up to date. Our present programme is updated regularly – from automatic recognition feeds to seasonal design, copy updates & personalised e-cards. This enhances the user experience, ensuring every time they log in the content has changed.
- Personalisation increases engagement with the programme. Our 2011 programme allows users to upload a photo of themselves to appear in the live recognition feed. E-cards can be personalised with a choice of design & messages, making the recognition feel more personal.
- Future proofing & continuous improvement. Finally, we are continually evolving our programmes to match our changing company needs and technological advancements. We are constantly alert for ways to improve.
