Awards and Recognition

Last night the Oscars were presented in the 87th annual Academy Awards presentations. This used to be one of the biggies. Used to be.

Nowadays, it’s become ridiculous how Hollywood manages to praise itself. You can find the lists of awards presented in numerous locations on the web, including Wikipedia. One list for the movie world includes these popular gems:

▪ The Academy Awards (AKA “The Oscars”)
▪ The Golden Globe Awards
▪ The S.A.G. Awards (Screen Actors Guild)
▪ The People’s Choice Awards
▪ Hollywood Film Awards
▪ MTV Movie Awards
▪ Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards
▪ Critics' Choice Movie Awards (AKA the “Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards”)
▪ Teen Choice Awards
▪ Kid’s Choice Awards

…and on and on, ad infinitum it seems, with more than THIRTY additional
movie industry awards in the US alone beyond the ones list above.

And in case you missed last night’s party, you can find the big winners here: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/23/arts/birdman-wins-best-picture-at-oscars-2015.html?emc=edit_na_20150223&nlid=68618012&_r=0

There must be money in “them thar trophies” along with television ratings, or most of these would fade to black. But not yet. So the star fraternity keeps on recognizing themselves. And, apparently, folks watch. The irony of the Best Picture award for this year is that is was a movie about…a Hollywood actor!

Speaking of awards, a form of really silly recognition has found its way into millions of mailboxes. I just received a personalized “Certificate of Appreciation” with a gold seal and raised ink border for something I haven’t done yet: give money to this organization. This is one of many I’ve received. Imagine if I actually framed these and put them on display. Just call me goofy.

Many people will go to work this week and receive little to no recognition. They may be among the most consistent performers in their field and certainly worthy of praise. They are “stars” lost in the black hole of the “ordinary” work force.

Sometimes companies try to recognize employees with framable certificates. And it can come off corny. Any real award should have a look of quality and be suitable for framing. A really nice team award with everyone’s name works. Truly excellent achievements should get public recognition and perhaps lunch with the boss. Or a gift card.

There’s even a simpler way to show recognition. Handwritten notes. Trust me…some people would treasure these and hold on to them for years. But please, no electronic signatures.

On the high end, what about a red carpet event for your team? Let people dress up and make it Hollywood-esque with a photographer, an emcee, and envelopes with the winners. Making achievements memorable is impactful.

Quite often, managers who deliver results get the praise while the team did the real work. Attention often goes to the powerful. This is the way of the world. A humble leader could learn much from Jesus of Nazareth.

In Philippians 2:5-8, we find these words, particularly worth reading during this Lenten season:

“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” (The Message)

The hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” gives us this challenge: “So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it some day for a crown.”

Imagine your name being called one day to receive the award of eternal life. And to think it was never based on your performance. Wow.

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Catch “Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand" weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on AM 1160 Hope for Your Life. To listen to the live broadcast or a podcast of previous shows click here.