How Awards Become Symbols
Ed Jones taught high school art for 30 years. His story of recognition best explains how awards become symbols.
 
At retirement Ed was given a wood plaque of appreciation to hang on his wall at home. This was the first time he had received any sort of recognition for his time, service, and effort.
 
After retirement he went to work for a factory, helping out as needed. As he worked with the product, he began to think of modifications that could be made to make it better. Slowly, over time, he became the product engineer at the company.
 
He bought a computer and began developing new product designs. After 10 years he was honored at the annual employee recognition event with an all-expense paid vacation to Hawaii as well as a crystal bowl. Ed’s comments at the awards banquet explained the power of symbolic recognition best:
 
“I taught school for 30 years and when I left they hardly said boo! I worked day in and day out without a thank you. Now I’m retired, have a fulfilling career where I am appreciated. Here I get thanked each day, and I am being recognized now. This is great!”