This past Tuesday evening I was in Scottsdale, AZ for the annual CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame Awards, and the Cavett Award, presented by the National Speakers Association. This is the final formal banquet that brings to a grand finale the annual convention of NSA.
The National Speakers Association is a society of experts who speak professionally. These are some of the top speakers in the world who come together to share ideas, demonstrate best practices, and support one another. The CPAE / Cavett Award banquet is where the association recognizes the best of the best.
First, we induct five new members into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. This award is based on the inductee’s demonstration of excellence on the platform, and exceptional performance in the business of speaking. (My wife and business partner, Elizabeth Jeffries, RN, CSP, CPAE was inducted into the NSA Speaker Hall of Fame over a decade ago)
The Cavett Awardis given each year to one person whose unselfish contribution to the profession of speaking and to the association best represents the spirit of our Founder, Cavett Robert. (I was blessed to be awarded The Cavett in 2012).
This awards banquet is part of the ritual that makes up the culture of NSA. Our culture is based in a rich history, lasting traditions, and the core values that guide our decisions and actions.
The Home Care Industry has Rituals and Awards to show Appreciation and Recognition
Our associations in Home Care also have awards that affirm and recognize the contribution to the industry and to the association. Often the awards are named after a leader in the industry who has become a “hero” in the association. Other times, the awards are focused on a specific area of leadership.
Several years ago, the Home Care Association of America introduced a new Industry Leadership Award to recognize someone who had made a significant contribution to the Home Care industry. I was honored to be presented the Home Care Industry Leadership Award by then HCAOA Board Chair, Peter Ross, who is also the Founder and CEO of Senior Helpers Home Care.
How Appreciation and Recognition are part of Your Company Culture
The ways that you show appreciation to your caregivers and office team members, and the formal recognition you present is all part of crafting your company culture. Many of the companies that are members of the Home Care CEO Mastermind Groups have formal awards ceremonies to recognize their people for making a special contribution to their clients, their caregivers, and their communities.
Perhaps the company that is best known for the culture they have created and sustained is Bayada Home Health Care. My friend, Mark Baiada, started this company as an in-home personal care company in central city Philadelphia fifty years ago. Today, it is the largest family operated, not-for-profit, Home Care and Home Health company in the country. If you have ever heard me speak about corporate culture, you have heard me speak about Bayada, and The Bayada Way. This is a classic example of a company that has become tremendously successful because of their company culture.
Appreciation and recognition are key elements of the Bayada way, and each year the company hosts a major awards event, bringing leaders, team members, and caregivers from all across the country together to celebrate their contribution to Home Care.
What are the traditions in your company around appreciation and recognition?
How do you show your folks that they are valued and appreciated?
