Pomp and Circumstance
Written by Buddy McGehee
I looked up the definition of “Pomp and Circumstance" the other day after attending my son’s graduation from Southeastern Theological Seminary. The official Merriam-Webster is:
Pomp and Circumstance – Noun
Impressive formal activities or ceremonies.
While watching my son’s graduation in May, I was amazed at the ceremony, the colors of the robes, ribbons, caps and hoods, the identification and recognition of each individual as they crossed the stage, received their diploma, and the applause and shouts of encouragement from family members supporting their graduate. I knew that these graduates would remember this ceremony for the rest of their life.
Later, I was thinking about how we, as employers, managers, and supervisors, could learn something from our educational organizations about celebrating employee milestones.
Too often, organizations don’t take the time and opportunity to celebrate with employees their accomplishments such as promotions, service awards, etc. I know many people who have told me about receiving a service award certificate with a "pick your prize catalog" or an exciting promotion— but never being recognized or announced among work peers.
Making a big deal about employee accomplishments, as educational organizations do,is an investment and a terrific opportunity to show the people in your organization that you care about them. Of course, the educational institution wants to thank you as a student for investing in your education by attending that school and hopes in the future that the student will continue to invest in the future of the school.
Alternatively, you might be able to save an employee from leaving your company because they feel appreciated for their work and contributions, the promotions they earn and the length of time they work for you. With today's labor shortage, we need to take every opportunity to thank employees for the work they do and appreciate them for choosing to work for our company.
I always remember the old saying and I think it is mostly true:
“People don’t leave jobs, they leave their manager.”
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