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Keep the Ones Who Keep You Going: Recognizing Staff and Volunteers

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER, AND WHAT HAVE YOU GOT?

I would like to share a story with you that clearly shows all the elements needed in recognition. I have learned that one of the primary reasons people volunteer in a museum is for the learning opportunities. A close runner-up is the social aspect. To help recognize volunteers in way that’s meaningful to them, we take bus trips twice a year, usually to other museums or heritage sites.

Because of budget constraints, we developed a partnership with a local tour company – they provide the bus trips for free or for a nominal price. In addition, a local restaurant donates muffins and coffee to enjoy on our trips.

On a recent trip, we took a group of volunteers to Banff, Alberta (luckily we’re only one and a half hours from the Canadian Rockies). The local museum was featuring an exhibit on bears, so we worked with them to arrange for a discounted admission for each person, which included a private showing of a play.

We also took the opportunity to let one of our senior volunteers be the star. Seventy-eight-year-old Helen has an astounding grasp of the Rockies, is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Banff, and is an expert at leading tours in the area. She’s also a keen hiker who knows the local trails intimately. So, we asked her to be our guide for the day.

As we munched muffins, sipped coffee, and enjoyed our free bus ride, Helen entertained everyone by teaching us the names of the mountains and explaining their formation process. Upon our arrival, she explained the historical significance of Banff, pointing out all the local areas of interest. She then led us on two short hikes, telling us the names of every plant and tree in the town. Finally, we enjoyed a great trip to the museum where we learned a lot about bears and the settlement of the town.

For the low cost of $5.00 per person, everyone had a wonderful day, and one of our long-serving volunteers felt extra-special because of her contribution to the trip. It was so successful we’ll continue to use it as a recognition element.

A WORD ABOUT THE RELUCTANT HERO

As you explore the world of motivation factors, understand the benefits of recognition, and develop your program, always remember to discuss recognition with those you want to honor. I have heard horror stories of many people being absolutely humiliated because they weren’t told they were chosen to receive an award and were unexpectedly put on the spot at a public banquet.

Not everyone appreciates this type of public display. Make sure you discuss, well in advance, nominations for awards and ensure that the person is willing to accept it and receive it publicly. Just when you thought Madge would LOVE to get up on that stage to receive a plaque, you learn she’d really rather have a quiet handshake and a card in your office. Embarrassing people, even with the best of intentions, can have disastrous effects.

GO FORTH AND RECOGNIZE!

It can be daunting to launch a recognition program. But if you do your homework, prepare a solid proposal, and get buy-in and input from all levels, you'll be well on your way to a successful program. The most important thing is to understand and know the people you want to honor. Use that knowledge to stimulate creative, fun, and personal ways to recognize and retain the people who are the key to your success.

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