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!

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.