The Write-Down #8
Each week here at downboy, LLC, we like to take a moment to get to know a little more about our amazing team. One question. Three Answers. No judgment.
The practice of handing out awards for achievement probably dates back to pre-agricultural societies, when a hunter responsible for a kill was rewarded with a bauble of some kind for making a kill that pleased the community. Modern society is awash in awards for excellence in intellectual, artistic, and athletic achievement.
With the prevalence of granting awards for just showing up (i.e. participation) reaching its apex sometime in first quarter of the 21st century, do you foresee a time when we will dispense with this practice?
“I’ve got a mug that says Coolest Dog Ever, and `I must admit, sometimes when I am feeling unsure of my place, it cheers me up. But like they always say at the Academy Awards, there really is no best. Also, I have a mug.”
Wallace, Assistant Director, Sales and Merchandising
“My cubby is plastered with laminated copies of Certificates of Whatever that I've received over the years for pretending to be present for some training or workshop. When I’m feeling extra cynical, I’ll buy a cheap frame with every intention of putting something in it, only to find it years later collecting dust in a banker’s box of ‘work stuff’.”
Ed Walters, Occupant, Cubicle 17
“Excellence is its own reward…wait, did I say Excellence. I meant money.”
Megan Oeth, Human Resources
