Merrill Gardens’ Post

As you finish up your Friday and are struggling to feel like you accomplished anything this week worthwhile, remember the fact that you showed up and that these awards are not worth the stress (and you won't win them anyway). Pat yourself in the back for everything you did get done and get make sure to let someone know you appreciate them today! This image says is perfectly. 👇 #weareworthit #fleetmanagement #awardsyouwontwin #worklifebalance

Meet Yusri, one of FO staff who consistently get the Guest Recognition Award two months in a row. He was one of candidate Employee Of The Year 2023 as well. An achievement starts with a small steps, through the process and make it happens. Keep up the good progress 🤘 #reward #achievement #guestreview #recognition #depointeresort

Watch this short video to learn more about our 2023 “Serve One” Core Award Winner, Dee. We are so thankful for her dedication to serving our guests and other team members at Ridgecrest. https://lnkd.in/gjzJkG9D

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the #AMAwards this evening. Good luck to everyone nominated, and if you’re keen to discuss all things #carwow #stocksourcing, #qualifiedleads #newcarleads, #usedcarleads, or equally you just want a blether and a drink- whether it’s a green tea or something a bit more punchy…come find me at table 47 far left against the wall. I’m with the lovely people from #CapHpi!(thank you) #Inchcape, #Lloydsgroup #Vertu and industry expert/guru and all round great guy - Cliff Deller-Consultant at Orchid Automotive Limited It’s a day, maybe two, for some out of the office to go to these types of events, and certainly not everyone’s bag- but it’s important to celebrate success and congratulate the best in the industry. Mingle, share ideas, and share intros to your connections for future collaborations …but let’s not forget it can be an opportunity for some much needed relaxation and a rare chance to unwind. In the motor trade, it’s early starts and late nights, we put our body on the line for our companies, constantly pursuing improvement, chasing deadlines and seemingly impossible targets, stressing a lot, and often sweating the small stuff- it’s easy to get caught up in it- EVERTHING is urgent- but sometimes we need to take a step back and a deep breath. It’s an incredibly fast paced industry that attracts winners, mastery is super important to them, people that naturally put that pressure on themselves to always perform and be the very best. It’s probably why it’s littered with ex pro athletes for example. I love this quote- it’s hung up in the office in my house. Hopefully it resonates, and makes an impression with some of you. Whether your at the awards or in the office- have a fabulous day!

AND ANOTHER AWARD GOES TO… Opening up my LinkedIn feed this morning and I was greeted with more of what seems like endless self-acclaim for winning some industry award of which there are now apparently thousands. Okay – I get it. LinkedIn is now a platform for narcissism, self-aggrandizement, back slapping and just general “Look at me how great I and my team are” posts. But the whole award thing has gotten out of hand. Because business has fallen into the trap of feeling compelled to compete and give folks the chance for industry awards, the whole industry awards business has become expert at tapping this vein – creating award after award, and an endless tier of prizes within each award category to feed a greedy industry that serves no true benefit. Ahh, but “awards make us feel good” you’d argue. They say who we are in the vast competitive pecking order. Well, I’d argue – “Uh don’t we all work for the collective goal of driving business – ours or the clients?” “Isn’t the actual reward just seeking SATISFACTION – creatively, emotionally and intellectually – ACHIEVED WITH A JOB DONE TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES?” “And then when done often enough – and measurably enough – that we see the financial rewards through promotions, raises, bonuses (clients renewing contracts?) et al?” There’s a term called “scarcity value” that applies here. Think of awards like pies. The first one you dig into is great. But the more and more you have of them, the less and less you derive joy from each, therefore diminishing the value (but likely increasing your stomach ache!). Personally, I’d rather receive or dole out the occasional and sincerely offered “Great job [NAME HERE]” than almost anything else. But then I grew up with one boss especially stingy with compliments – but each rare pronouncement making me feel like I could walk on water. So how about it people? Less sharing of awards on this platform (if you want to keep paying for the privilege of displaying more shiny statues go ahead), more meaningfully recognizing rare and true achievement. Oh, and if you enjoyed this post, please no awards or bouquets – a simple “like” is all the affirmation I need. #TOOMANYAWARDS #SUCCESSISITSOWNREWARD

The 2024 DEI Awards will be held on September 10 from 4:30 – 8:00 PM. APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! You can nominate yourself, your business, or others to be considered. Application criteria includes sharing how the work has impacted marginalized communities, how it demonstrates a dedication to DEI, how the individual/organization is acting as an advocate or leader for change, measurable outcomes and accomplishments, alignment with the WDM Chamber’s DEI Statement [wdmchamber.org], sustainability of efforts, overall innovation and impact of work, and more. One supporting document may also be included such as a letter of recommendation, media created to highlight the DEI efforts, etc. There are 11 award categories that I have copied below. 11 Award Categories Small Business: 1-49 Employees Medium Business: 50-249 Employees Large Business: 250+ Employees Nonprofit Government Education Sector DEI Leader of the Year: age 40+ DEI Emerging Leader of the Year: 39 & under DEI Student Leader of the Year DEI Ally of the Year Best Inclusion Initiative There are more details on this link for you to take a peek at! DEI Workplace Excellence Awards – West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (wdmchamber.org) [wdmchamber.org]   PLEASE let me know if you have any questions whatsoever. I really think this is a great event, opportunity and a GREAT way to award our DEI champions- LIKE YOU!  

you can find my achievements here

🌟 Time is Ticking! Less Than a Month Left to Apply for Night of Excellence in CRE of Excellence! 🌟 🏆 Night of Excellence Applications Closing Soon: Less than a month left to showcase your exceptional work, dedication, and achievements. Don't let this chance slip away – apply now for the Night of Excellence and let your brilliance shine! 🌠 👉 How to Apply: Visit https://lnkd.in/giYsHv6G to submit your application and share your success stories with our incredible community. Whether it's a groundbreaking project, innovative solutions, or outstanding contributions, we want to celebrate YOU! 📅 Save the Date: Night of Excellence is not just an event; it's a celebration of the incredible talent within our community. Save the date for February 29th and be part of an unforgettable evening filled with recognition, networking, and inspiration at the The Ritz-Carlton, Portland! 🚀 Elevate Your Achievements: This is your chance to stand in the spotlight and be recognized for your hard work. Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your achievements and inspire others in the industry. ⏳ Act Now: Time is of the essence! The clock is ticking, and the deadline is approaching fast. Apply for Night of Excellence before January 31 and make your mark in the community. 🌐 Spread the Word: Know someone deserving of recognition? Tag them in the comments or share this post to ensure that no one misses out on this incredible opportunity! #NightOfExcellence #ApplyNow #Community #SuccessStories #DeadlineAlert

🌟 Time is Ticking! Less Than a Month Left to Apply for Night of Excellence in CRE of Excellence! 🌟 🏆 Night of Excellence Applications Closing Soon: Less than a month left to showcase your exceptional work, dedication, and achievements. Don't let this chance slip away – apply now for the Night of Excellence and let your brilliance shine! 🌠 👉 How to Apply: Visit https://lnkd.in/giYsHv6G to submit your application and share your success stories with our incredible community. Whether it's a groundbreaking project, innovative solutions, or outstanding contributions, we want to celebrate YOU! 📅 Save the Date: Night of Excellence is not just an event; it's a celebration of the incredible talent within our community. Save the date for February 29th and be part of an unforgettable evening filled with recognition, networking, and inspiration at the The Ritz-Carlton, Portland! 🚀 Elevate Your Achievements: This is your chance to stand in the spotlight and be recognized for your hard work. Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your achievements and inspire others in the industry. ⏳ Act Now: Time is of the essence! The clock is ticking, and the deadline is approaching fast. Apply for Night of Excellence before January 31 and make your mark in the community. 🌐 Spread the Word: Know someone deserving of recognition? Tag them in the comments or share this post to ensure that no one misses out on this incredible opportunity! #NightOfExcellence #ApplyNow #Community #SuccessStories #DeadlineAlert

🏆 Award nights and galas deserve a sprinkle of magic, don't you think? Elevate these occasions with a mix of professionalism and wonder. My Hosting services are not just shows, but experiences that resonate. #AwardNightMagic #GalaEnchantment"