AND ANOTHER AWARD GOES TO…
Opening up my LinkedIn feed this morning and I was greeted with more of what seems like endless self-acclaim for winning some industry award of which there are now apparently thousands.
Okay – I get it.
LinkedIn is now a platform for narcissism, self-aggrandizement, back slapping and just general “Look at me how great I and my team are” posts.
But the whole award thing has gotten out of hand.
Because business has fallen into the trap of feeling compelled to compete and give folks the chance for industry awards, the whole industry awards business has become expert at tapping this vein – creating award after award, and an endless tier of prizes within each award category to feed a greedy industry that serves no true benefit.
Ahh, but “awards make us feel good” you’d argue. They say who we are in the vast competitive pecking order. Well, I’d argue – “Uh don’t we all work for the collective goal of driving business – ours or the clients?”
“Isn’t the actual reward just seeking SATISFACTION – creatively, emotionally and intellectually – ACHIEVED WITH A JOB DONE TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES?”
“And then when done often enough – and measurably enough – that we see the financial rewards through promotions, raises, bonuses (clients renewing contracts?) et al?”
There’s a term called “scarcity value” that applies here. Think of awards like pies. The first one you dig into is great. But the more and more you have of them, the less and less you derive joy from each, therefore diminishing the value (but likely increasing your stomach ache!).
Personally, I’d rather receive or dole out the occasional and sincerely offered “Great job [NAME HERE]” than almost anything else. But then I grew up with one boss especially stingy with compliments – but each rare pronouncement making me feel like I could walk on water.
So how about it people? Less sharing of awards on this platform (if you want to keep paying for the privilege of displaying more shiny statues go ahead), more meaningfully recognizing rare and true achievement.
Oh, and if you enjoyed this post, please no awards or bouquets – a simple “like” is all the affirmation I need. #TOOMANYAWARDS #SUCCESSISITSOWNREWARD