A lot of otherwise exceptional recognition opportunities come undone at the point of delivery. Organizations devote time, money, and effort to recognizing employee achievement, yet when it comes to presenting the award, the potential to add meaning and impact goes unfulfilled. By doing their homework. If possible, meet with the employee prior to the event, or at the very least prior to the presentation, to determine what it was about that person's history with the company that made him or her a prime candidate for the award. Doing homework to find out the specifics about the individual, the circumstances, and the obstacles encountered personalizes the award.
Stories add flair to the occasion.
Providing a broader context adds significance to the achievement and to the person being honored. It also provides a common denominator that everyone present can relate to. Feelings are neither right nor wrong. By showing emotion, managers give an energy and urgency to the occasion. These principles hold true, whether at awards banquets or informal situations.