The Ripple Effect of Award Presentations November 06, 2008
By Julie Baker
Just as a pebble dropped into a pool makes ripples that radiate outward, doing an award presentation well touches not just the recipient but everyone present, and doing an award presentation exceptionally well touches people who weren't even there, but who hear about it later.
Emad Tadros, sales manager for Pepsi Bottling Group's operations in Cambridge, Ontario, arranged a surprise dinner event last January as a 40-years-of-service milestone celebration for Francis Ernewein, a member of his sales staff. From PBG's service awards program catalog, Ernewein was able to choose his own award, and selected a $1,500 TV set. However, "I wanted to come up with something creative for him," says Tadros, "a real appreciation for his many years."
Tadros didn't have any similar events to model it on—how many people reach 40 years, after all?—but he consulted with HR and invited a number of senior executives from the Canadian office of PBG, as well as the entire sales staff and Ernewein's wife, Marilyn, to the special dinner. And Tadros brainstormed a way to thank both Erneweins with a weekend package at the Blue Mountain Resort, a spectacular getaway on Ontario's Georgian Bay. The couple also received a flower arrangement "that left them speechless."
Speeches were made by others, however, including Tadros, who highlighted Ernewein's solid performance and consistency over the years and his dedication to customers and colleagues. He also made a point of thanking Marilyn for her strong support of Francis' career. The affair was written up in the local newspaper.
PBG identifies and shares with its managers examples of Best Practice Presentations as a way of inspiring them to excel at presenting awards. A couple of months after the event, Tadros was surprised to learn that his celebration had earned him a "Pour It On" award. He proudly displays his award certificate in his office.
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