People make a distinction between a deliverable– a product or service rendered-and the ‘manner’ in which the item, product or service is delivered. There seems to be meaning beyond the recognition I infer! Much of it is in the spirit of the reward. The  ‘vehicle’ is often as important as the product delivered.

On receiving his ‘Driver of  the year’ accolade it was clear to Nixon, our office colleague that he would be required to open it, raise it above his head for everybody to see and then crown the  occasion with a short acceptance speech. The Master of ceremony gave a humbling speech in praise of Nixon. There were lots of pleasant ‘Hoorays’ too and finally a standing ovation. It was one of those rare occasions a man goes through the experience of recognition. After opening his award– a glass plaque with a few inscriptions –Nixon went on to give his speech- a touching collection of verbs and adjectives. “This gift does not belong to me but to all of us. I will use it to challenge my peers to raise the bar and make it difficult for management to choose the best person next year”. President Obama echoed much the same words in his historic victory speech. “I know to whom this victory belongs” He said, “It belongs to you”.

It was not very clear whether Nixon knew exactly what to do with the glass plaque that symbolized his achievement but I could see he loved the implicit message behind the glass. So he thanked the management not so much for what was given to him but for ‘the spirit’ in which it was given.

People make a distinction between a deliverable– a product or service rendered-and the ‘manner’ in which the item, product or service is delivered.   A deliverable is the result of one’s  technical performance . It is the explicit expression of the “what” one produces as a result of one’s technical effort. Nixon certainly produced many deliverables at a technical level but then so many other people did.

The ‘manner’ in which the product or service is delivered is one’s ‘professional’ or  “service performance.” This is the implicit dimension of the job and is reflected in the “how” of the delivery. Moving up from a “technically proficient driver” to  a” professional driver” requires more than just the ability to deliver results. It requires an understanding of implicit as well as explicit client needs.

There seems to be more meaning behind the plaque I infer! Much of it was in the spirit behind the reward. The  ‘vehicle’ is often as important as the product delivered .

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Related readings:

  1. Reward What  You Want To See More Of