i.e. Knick Knacks with Purpose
a.k.a. Memory Junk

by Sam Brock

All sorts of awards can be given out, and I must admit that the cash gift or gift card is always a winner. But is there something better? In high school, I received a number of trophies for various endeavors like third place for Bible memory, third place for biggest fish, third place for the pogo stick marathon. In fact, I seem to collect third place trophies. Why do we give out trophies and awards? Is it the right thing to do? Better than a cash gift, more valuable than a trophy, the hand-made, one-of-a-kind item that reminds you of a job well done is the best award possible. Non-monetary awards are a good idea for the following four reasons.

Remembrance of the Event. A good award in some way reminds you of an event. I carry a Leatherman that was given to me as an award at the completion of one of our buildings. I am reminded whenever I use the Leatherman of that event. Many times in Scripture we are commanded to remember what God has done. The children of Israel carried with them several reminders of God’s work.

Recognition of Right Actions. I Corinthians 12:23 tells us to bestow more honor on the uncomely parts. An award is a great excuse to recognize and honor someone who is doing it right. This recognition is an encouragement to the rest of the team to do right and to the recipient to keep up the good work.

Rejoice Together. I Corinthians 12:26 goes on to say that we suffer together, and we rejoice together. An award is a method by which we rejoice together in an accomplishment or milestone.

Results Will Be Accounted. Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 makes it clear that we are accountable. An award lets your team know in a positive way that accountability is a reality. This is one of the reasons not to cheapen awards by giving one out to everyone. Notice the details that make the award mean something.

Practical Suggestions:

Start a collection of award parts. If I see anything unusual or unique, I add it to my stash of award parts. Currently, this stuff fills four plastic tubs—you never know what you might need!

Use the award time as an opportunity to tell a story. In essence, the award tells everyone that the story is finished, but the telling of the story is the important part. Make sure the story emphasizes the positive characteristics that you want your team to have.

Rarely give the same award twice in a row. A trophy signifies first, second, or third place; but a unique award with a unique title now becomes the only award like it in the world. That kind of rarity is what makes people put them in their office. hey mean something and they tell a story.

Super glue, glue guns, sharpies, rope, and wire are your best friends in your award-making career. Do not take yourself too seriously.

Create a camaraderie award. We have a whiff-it award which is given to folks who made a mistake, an oops, or a hmmmm. This award started as a way for me to know all the bad things that happened during a week but has evolved into a camaraderie award that lets our staff know that even when they mess up they are still part of the team.

As I sit in my office writing this article, I am surrounded by items to remind me to nail the details, to not be distracted by the toys of life, and to be broken for Christ. Everybody needs a reminder now and then. Go make an award!