Badges for Achievement

Well, I have spent the last two days at various intervals sewing! I can see when I survey my handiwork why my needlework teacher (that ages me as it is now design and technology!) said I wasn't a suitable candidate for Needlework O Level!  However, I can't say either that not having this qualification has vastly affected my life choices, but getting back to the point I have been sewing on name tags in the children's school uniform and also their achievement badges. There is something about a school uniform that tries to create conformity and yet the children themselves create their uniqueness through their expression of their personalities. A school uniform also gives a sense of belonging to a community  something all humans need to feel in order to thrive.

As I was sewing the myriad of achievement badges onto blazers, sweatshirts and other items, I thought about the feeling it gives us when we are rewarded for success whether that is a simple thank you or a  badge, certificate or even financial bonus. When I see my children smiling as they remember what it took personally to achieve each badge I question whether we do enough in our organisations to recognise people and the contribution they make. Do you say thank you to the person who has stayed late to help you finish an assignment/project, or made coffee for the meeting? Do you call someone and thank them for their part in a recent success? When we view ourselves and each other for what is positive then it benefits everyone and the organisation too!