Peer-to-Peer Recognition (Downloadable Version Only!)

Recognition from one's peers always has a special significance, perhaps because such awards are seldom expected. Or perhaps because everyone knows managerial favoritism played no part. Whatever the reason, when employees select someone from their ranks for recognition and praise, it tends to be both well-earned and heartfelt. An example of a peer-initiated reward is described by Tom Tate, program manager for the Office of Personnel Management in the Personnel and Management Training Division of the U.S. government. He tells about the "Wingspread Award,"a beautiful plaque engraved and given to the division's "special performer" by the division head. After a while the recipient wanted to recognize a deserving colleague, so he passed the award on to that employee, who later wanted to recognize another peer.