Thank You Thoughts

"In the arena of human life the honors and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action." - Aristotle

Love Leadership – The power of relationships in the workplace

The next Real Recognition Radio episode, hosted by my colleagues Roy Saunderson and S. Max Brown, is a real treat. They had the honor of interviewing the amazing John Hope Bryant. He is a philanthropic entrepreneur and businessman, in the business of empowerment. This includes Mr. Bryant’s non-profit work throughout the US, through Operation HOPE, his vast work in public policy, and his increasing portfolio in “thought leadership.”

John Hope Bryant has received more than 400 awards and citations for his work to empower low-wealth communities including the Use Your Life Award by Oprah Winfrey, and was named a “Community Hero” by People Magazine on the 10th anniversary of the worst urban civil unrest in U.S. history. In December, 1994, Mr. Bryant was selected by TIME Magazine for their “America’s 50 Most Promising Leaders of the Future” cover story.

On Real Recognition Radio, on Tuesday, March 9th, at 1 PM ET, John will be sharing some inspirational messages on the power of relationships and leadership in your day to day life, as well as in the workplace.

Click here for more info!

A little Monday recognition fodder

I invite all of you to listen to a recent episode of Annie Hart’s radio program, Radio 42, The Meaning of Life the Universe and Everything, where she interviews our very own S. Max Brown, RMI’s VP of Organizational Learning. During this segment, he tells us his story, as well as his spin on the importance of recognition and the incredible power of relationships.

Click here to listen in and learn more about Max's take on how recognition can be used to motivate and inspire.

Art from the Hart

I am so proud of Rideau’s history, and how we came to be where we are today.

Rideau was founded in 1912 and started by producing emblematic jewelry, engraved items and badges. Between then and producing full end to end recognition systems, in 1983 we happen to have begun producing the Order of Canada (the equivalent of the US Congressional Medal of Honor) in 1983. The Order of Canada is produced for the Governor General of Canada who resides in Rideau Hall in Ottawa. The company, then named Stephenson International was then renamed Rideau Orders Decorations to reflect the honor bestowed upon the company as Rideau became the first Canadian company in Canadian history to produce the most important recognition award in the country.

Since then, we now deliver full solutions to corporations who wish to recognize their employees to keep an engaged, positive and strong workforce.

Above is a painting of the Rideau Canal, which runs through the Ottawa, the Canadian capital, painted as an ode to Rideau history.

Recognition in the air…waves.

Yesterday was the premier of my colleagues' Roy Saunderson and S. Max Brown’s radio show – Real Recognition Radio. They’re up to a phenomenal start.
In case you missed it, you can still listen to the show here.

Their next show, on Tuesday at 1 PM ET, will be featuring Tommy Lee Hayes Brown, the first corporate recognition chairperson for MetLife. He will be talking about MetLife’s recognition program, and the lessons he’s learned since. Tune in here!

What does employer branding have to do with employee engagement?

Don't forget to tune into Real Recognition Radio, hosted by RMI's Roy Saunderson & Max Brown, today at 1PM to find out how employer branding relates to employee engagement!

Rideau Sets a World Record!

Our CRP graduates

Okay… it’s not in the Guinness Book of Records… yet… but our company has set a new world record for the number of employees who have become Certified Recognition Professionals!

Today, 38 Rideau and Recognition Management Institute employees are CRP grads and they come from all over the company… not just those who face our customers.

Why did Rideau make such a significant investment in Recognition Professionals International’s CRP courses?

There are a number of reasons… the first being, it is critical that we all practice what we preach and understand the importance of our daily work.

CRP has made us a better company. All our employees came away energized about recognition and what we do for our clients. It didn’t matter whether my colleagues worked in sales, marketing, IT, manufacturing, distribution or administration… everyone has a better understanding of “why” recognition is important and “how” to deliver it. I think it made everyone look at the recipient awards leaving our distribution centers a little bit differently.

Most importantly, it made us realize that our work in the field of recognition and rewards is noble… it helps builds successful relationships that are fundamental to all our lives.