The Tharperobbins Presentation Builder

The TharpeRobbins Presentation Builder

Coach, champion, cheering section, as a manager you’ve probably been all these things. Now it’s time to recognize one of your employees with a service award. Did anyone tell you that public speaking was part of your job description?

A study by Robert Half International shows that the number one reason people leave their jobs is lack of praise and recognition. Recognition programs drive performance that impact the most important lines in our business, lines of communication and the bottom line.

Ok, let’s start with something as obvious as the nose on my face, planning.You’d be surprised at how many people think, I’ll show up, they’ll show up. I think we’re good. Take responsibility for making a good presentation; creating a moment that your employee will appreciate and remember. Verify the facts: service anniversary date, employment history, department worked, job titles, promotions, locations, etc.

Schedule the event on the actual anniversary date or as close to it as possible And pick a time when the most co-workers can be present.

Invite someone from upper management to participate if possible.Now here’s the biggy; when you tell someone he or she will be recognizedask them how they’d like you to do it. Some people are not comfortable being the center of attention.

There you have it, planning for employee recognition. On to step number two, Preparing. Here is the meat and potatoes or tofu and veggies, whichever. When you invite co-workers, former bosses, friends of the employee, management; use this as an opportunity to collect background information.Ask them about special memories they have of the employee. Or interests they might share outside of work.

They can even write down their thoughts and give them to you later. This is so important. The presentation will be as meaningful as the information you gather. So be factual, be sincere, and write what you want to say on 3x5 note cards. Then practice. Say why the employee is receiving the award and give the actual anniversary date. Use the name he or she goes by. Tie their good qualities to this achievement and your company’s success. Remember traits like attendance, punctuality, consistency and attitude. One of the most effective tools you can use to spice up a presentation is to give people a frame of reference of what was going on in the world when the employee joined the company. Bits of trivia, like the cost of a Chevy, a home, a gallon of milk, music people were listening to then, who was president. You can even share a bit of the employee’s personal history.

High school football, kids and grandkids. Maybe your employee started work about the time we first landed on the moon. Think personal history, the company’s history, and world history. You’ll be surprised at the stories you can tell. Just remember to filter everything you are going to say with a sensitivity test. No jokes or references to past mistakes. No comments that could be taken as sexist or condescending, including references to race, age, sex, religion, or handicap And for your protection, don’t say anything that could be viewed as a verbal contract of continued employmentAt least one week before the presentation, remind everyone to attend.

In a nut shell, that’s how you present an employee recognition award.

To re-cap, be punctual, be sincere, and warm.

Use the recipients preferred name.

Explain the award and the appreciation it represents.

Mention memorable facts or employee achievements.

Link to the company’s success.

Thank the attendees.

Follow up.

Organizing an employee recognition ceremony really isn’t rocket science. Just focus on the three P’s, Planning, Preparing, and Presenting.

And finally, think on this, you really are the link between your company, your employees, and his or her achievements. With a little preparation, you’ll put together a great recognition ceremony. And the recipient will have a wonderful memory to last a lifetime. Thanks.

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The TharpeRobbins Company | PO Box 1719 ∙ Statesville ∙ NC ∙ 28687