“We have potential. Who needs
medals? I'd rather have potential than medals any day.” ― Neil Gaiman
I have come across several
posts on social media where people pay money to receive their awards and post
their images online to get like, comments and shares. I don’t understand the
logic behind such acts. As a researcher, author and trainer, I have the
practice of observing, analyzing and assessing the psychology and behavior of
the people. Here are some of my views about it.
When you are truly worth
there is no need for you to seek approval and validation from others. There is
no need to pay money to organizations that organize award functions, events and
ceremonies by taking money from the awardees. In fact, what I observe is that if
the organizations get adequate sponsors, there is no need to collect money from
the awardees. If there are no sponsors, it may be possible that there are no
takers for such organizations and there is no meaning for such awards.
Currently it has become a practice for a few organizations by forming team of
advisors and panel of judges to build their brands and collect money from
awardees to give away awards. It appears that there is no substance in such organizations
and awards. In fact, people who don’t have any credibility pay money to receive
awards from organizations that don’t have much credibility and visibility.
I receive several personal
emails to receive awards with a request to pay money. I reject them because I
never worked for recognition. I serve people by sharing my knowledge free on my
blogs and social media platforms. I don’t give permission to incorporate
advertisements in my blogs. My intention is to add value by sharing my
knowledge free with the world.
Although there is an urge to
crave for attention it is not a healthy practice to receive awards by paying
money to the organizers. Remember, cream always comes to the top. There is no need
to blow one’s trumpet. Although there is a marketing saying that more display
more sales, there is a limit for everything. Remember, anything of excess is
counterproductive.
Indian Bollywood actor, Aamir
Khan is an apt example for not craving for awards. He is known for excellence.
He keeps adding value to his profession. He is known for breaking the Bollywood
records with his dedication, discipline and determination.
In 2018, the government of
India gave away Padma awards to the deserving people and unsung achievers
breaking the traditional practice of giving away awards to known people who
lobby through political connections. It has made giving away awards transparent
through online nomination. It is a step in the right direction.
Work
for a Cause, not for Applause
When people work for
satisfaction they hardly care for awards. They care for their efforts, energies
and the value they add to others. When you look at leaders including Mahatma
Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela, they all worked
for their causes, not for applauses. They worked for their satisfaction, not
for recognition. To conclude, don’t excessively focus on getting recognition
for your efforts. When you are worthy, you will be recognized by others.
Share if you care.
Life is great!
Professor
M.S.Rao
Founder of MSR Leadership
Consultants India
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts
and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
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