December 20, 2005
Peer recognition that isn’t stupid
Morale around work has been pretty low lately. I’ve been scrambling to think of ways to lighten things up. I don’t exactly come off as the playful, fun-loving guy
that I am (I think I’m usually just too deep in my own thoughts to notice or acknowledge others much of the time), so it was an interesting study in quick creativity.
I mulled over the idea of an awards program, and settled on the Easy Button Awards (a.k.a. “The Easies”). Now I’m not a manager or a director or anything, but I have been in the past. I think that peer recognition is cool if it’s done in a way that is not embarassing to the recipient — nobody likes to be elevated above their peers in front of their peers….at least, nobody who’s normal.
It’s kind of a silly idea, and probably short-lived; but I think it is a start. It didn’t help morale much in the short-term, though. One of my co-workers actually announced her departure shortly after I nominated her for and awarded her with the first Easy Award. I hope the two aren’t releated. Hmmmmmmmm….
Filed by JP at 6:45 pm under 
Don’t worry, I think winning the first of “The Easies” if anything made me stay an extra day or two. It was fun having people walk by my desk and hit the big ol’ button and hearing the loud pre-recorded “THAT WAS EASY” over and over.