After everything that has been in the news recently about the idea and value of participation trophies I spent a few minutes looking around my children’s rooms. My children were active in pursuits like Soccer, Football, Media, Track & Field, Lacrosse, Cheerleading and Swimming. I was looking for any remaining “awards” they are proud of for just showing up. I found none!
Upon closer examination what I did find was a varsity letter my son earned as a Varsity Swimmer for Elk Grove High School, my daughters awards for Academic Excellence, Academic All American and a Cheerleading award she was given that was voted on by her Cheer team at Pleasant Grove High School and my Step Daughters awards from the Media Communications Academy at Center High School where she excelled and set the standard she would use as a Cast Member at Disney . Not one of them kept awards for simply participating. I don’t think this is a mistake.
My Son recently was awarded the title “Customer Experience Expert” from Mazda Corporation. This is an award based on sales, experience and customer service ratings where Mazda calls the customer to drill down about their experience. This award comes with a title and a monetary bonus. In short, it matters and is earned.
My Daughter was recently placed into the management training program with Safeway Corporation based on effort, hard work, management approval and again the biggest factor is customer feedback. Feedback matters. I would add that my daughter will earn her certification as a welder in December and takes pride in maintaining the highest grade level and skill level in her class because this allows her to be the leader she knows she is.
My Step Daughter has recently been elevated at Disneyland from Cast Member to a manger based solely on Direct Customer feedback. At Disney direct feedback means that a guest captures someone’s name and has to go to a specific office near the main gate and write out what the Cast Member did to make their day memorable. Many Cast Members never have this happen and she has had it happen twice in the same week. Her name is Sammy and she is in Disney California Adventure and I promise you that if you seek her out it will be an experience your children will not soon forget. Disney expects that once you hit the stage you are all about the guest experience and this is difficult at best.
Each of these now adults were given participation trophies and each of them say that none of them mattered. What matters to them are the results they produce because that is a life trophy and one that matters
My name is Steven Clauson and I coach people who want to come out of the stands and onto the field or are already on the field and demand to maximize their efforts. Are you in the stands or on the field? Winners are on the field playing full out. These are people for whom results matter. Tired of results that are less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com