How great John art…

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~Wednesday~  I’ve had a very professionally affirming couple of days, which I’m documenting for posterity. So if you’re not up for a How Great John Art blog entry, you’re excused.

Our organization has an informal recognition program called T.O.A.S.T.—as in “Here’s a toast to you!” not as in, “You’re toast!“—and which stands for Totally Outstanding Attitude, Service, and Talent.

These can be given to anyone you work with for anything you appreciate them doing. To give one, you fill out a form, print it, and hand it to the person.

Whenever I give one, I always print it on a color printer, and then have it laminated at the Kinkos just down the street. It just adds a little touch of class, as well as making it a little more durable and easier to display.

I have received four T.O.A.S.T. awards since I started working here in September of 2008. Two of the presenters knew that I always laminate the ones I give, and did the same for mine.

In 2009, for outstanding work and admirable generosity on behalf of the 2009 OIT Holiday Giving Project

In 2011, for editing the Google Accessibility Report even though ti was a last minute request

In 2012, for being the Bestest Ever meeting minute taker

Well, yesterday, I received one that took the T.O.A.S.T. awards to a whole new level—one framed, in an NC State-logoed frame at that!

For awesomeness and willingness to sacrifice personal time and energy to help review a conference paper

Chris, the colleague who gave me the award also sent an email to my boss’ boss, Stan, about it, who forwarded it to my boss, Rhonda, who forwarded it to me:

Hi, Stan,

I’m not sure how your group keeps track of such things, but I gave John a TOAST award this month for helping me with a conference paper. In case you haven’t heard it lately, John is a great person and a huge part of what makes OIT great, and I definitely appreciate all that he does. Thanks!

–chk–

Chris,

Thanks very much for the note. This is not the first time we’ve heard about John’s assistance with things like this! He certainly is a treasured and valuable member of the OIT team. I appreciate you recognizing his extra efforts.

Stan

Hi John,

I thought you would appreciate receiving this email from Stan and Chris. Accolades from our co-workers show our work is recognized and much appreciated!

Rhonda

I appreciate you, Chris! Although, I’m not sure everyone in the organization will appreciate your “raising the bar” for T.O.A.S.T. awards! 🙂
 

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