On the last day of the 2012 McDonald’s Owner-Operator Convention, the crowd of over 15,000 McDonald’s devotees made their way from booth to booth in a massive exhibit hall of sights, sounds, tastes and resources centered around the most successful fast food brand in the world.

MTM Recognition, as a 35-year recognition partner and supplier of fine jewelry and awards for McDonald’s, staffed a booth dedicated to a wide array of custom McDonald’s jewelry available for purchase by the owner-operators.

During the final hours of the convention, the MTM booth was approached by owner-operator Jason Saylor, accompanied by Kelly Ruffcorn, one of his employees dressed in her brightly colored McDonald’s uniform.

MTM National Account Manager, Marilyn Whiting, described what happened next:  “Mr. Saylor  looked at the young employee and asked her which golden arches pin she wanted among the many beautiful karated pins from which to choose. She beamed and chose a pin.  Mr. Saylor took her aside and ‘pinned’ her right on the spot.  I don’t have to tell you how it made her feel – and for me and our staff, it was one of those recognition moments we will not soon forget.”

 

Man and womanMcdonalds Pin

 

Putting the Ideas into Action

This story illustrates three key principles that, when properly applied, transform an act of sincere employee recognition into a powerful management tool that can change the way people feel about themselves, the work they do and the organization they dedicate their work lives to – principles that any organization can put into place immediately to strengthen their culture:

  •  Leadership participation in employee recognition events makes it memorable for employees
  • One-of-a-kind, wearable, symbolic awards elicit pride in belonging like no other item can
  • Symbolic awards become “memory anchors” of a personally satisfying work-life moment