We are all aware by now of the importance Financial Management gives to ensuring that people feel recognized for their contributions in the workplace and how we are working hard to build a supportive and positive work environment.

In keeping with this goal, the RQT team has recently introduced the BRAVO award, “Another important way we can all express how much we value our coworkers and their contributions,” says Kevin Wald, former leader of the RQT Team survey team.

The Bravo award is the first new award to be introduced in over 10 years and is the direct result of the recent RQT survey, in which a number of people highlighted the need for a new way to acknowledge their peers. “We needed a tool for those endeavors too great for a Recognition Treat but also not meriting a TOP, QSTEP or LINQ,” Kevin recalled, reflecting on some of the survey comments. “It was something that came up on a number of occasions, and we used many of the ideas people gave us in the survey to construct it.”

The end result of the award is an email announcement sent out to the recipient’s department detailing the nominee’s achievement(s) and a $10.00 gift certificate given to the recipient; the award requires no validation process and can be given by anyone to anyone with a maximum of ease. This ease of giving and receiving awards is something which both Kevin and the RQT team believe is important if recognition is to grow within Financial Management. “In designing this award, our key goals were to have something which was meaningful, adaptable, relevant and timely,” he added. “So the process is simple. Once the nomination form is submitted to your RQT representative, an email highlighting the achievement will be sent to everyone in the department and the individual can then step forward and receive their award.”

Another important need the Bravo fulfills is as a source of examples when nominating someone for a QSTEP, LINK or TOPS award. “One of the key problems we noticed from the survey was that people find it hard to come up with relevant examples when developing nominations for these awards. The Bravo awards can be used as an informal record of achievements and a useful storehouse of information when nominating someone for a larger award. Indeed, when you see someone receiving a large number of Bravos, maybe it is time to start thinking about a QSTEP or a LINQ.”

Kevin also believes it is important to understand how the awards all fit together. “There is a place for each award we currently have,” he contends, pointing to the Recognition Pyramid to clarify this idea. “The Recognition Treat is the basis of all recognition. It is the most frequently used and is an informal way to say ‘thank you’, as in when someone helps you, or goes out of their way to get something done. The Bravo is for those singular achievements or endeavors which deserve more than a simple ‘thank you’. Completing a big project or showing outstanding customer service are two good examples. Then of course, there is the QSTEP, LINQ and TOPS. These are to publicly announce those long term, consistent, outstanding achievements or qualities vital to the work of Financial Management as a whole. I know the RATT team is set to start their road show soon and the distinction between awards is something they will cover,” he was quick to point out.

So who decides what award is appropriate? “We welcome and encourage all award nominations, no matter how big or how small,” Kevin says. But if the RQT representative believes the achievement could be better highlighted using a different award, they will offer their suggestions, he added. “In the end we want people to feel that recognition is for them. Everyone has a vital role in the organization and their contributions are important and worthwhile. These awards are ways to call attention to that.”

And it does seem to be working. In the month following its introduction, close to 45 Bravo awards have been given out. Kevin, however, is quick to point out there are still many opportunities available for recognition. “It is our sincere hope that with this new award, everyone will take a greater personal responsibility in creating a culture that recognizes and values each individual.”