The Institute's Rewards and Recognition Program has launched the "MIT Excellence Awards." These Institute-wide awards will recognize the exceptional contributions of staff members who support the Institute's mission, goals and values.
All nominees (both individuals and teams) will be honored at a ceremony and reception on October 3 in Wong Auditorium and the Tang Building foyer.
Nominations acknowledging the contributions of individuals and teams may come from anyone in the workforce. Team self-nominations are strongly encouraged. Nominations will be reviewed and selected by an employee committee, which will include faculty and staff from various areas and job levels throughout the main campus and Lincoln.
Nominations are being accepted now and must be submitted to the Rewards and Recognition Program administrator in Rm E19-230, by July 16. Hard copies of the nomination form can be obtained from local Infinite Mile Awards key contacts or nominators can submit electronically on line. Questions and feedback should be directed to the program administrator, Jackie Stinehart.
Nominations should reflect the contributions, initiatives, achievements and/or outcomes described in one of the award categories below and should be no more than three pages.
All staff members of MIT who have made exceptional contributions above and beyond their daily job functions are eligible for any of the following awards.
"Building Bridges" will be awarded to teams and/or individuals who actively and collaboratively approach problems as opportunities for learning and growth through constructive dialogue. The initiatives and achievements may be departmental or cross-departmental and will support "boundary-blind business processes."
"Fostering an Inclusive Workplace" will recognize those who have created a positive, supportive and inclusive place for employees and faculty to work, either within a single department or across the Institute. Initiatives and achievements may focus on any aspect of work life, with a particular emphasis on diversity, professional development and/or work/life balance.
"Leading Change" will recognize those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and role modeling. For example, the individual or team may continually provide a sense of purpose, vision and mission for their co-workers and/or staff; invest time and interest in coaching and mentoring; positively influence others and build consensus around organizational objectives; achieve sustainable results; and/or exhibit stewardship of MIT's resources, making it a better place for generations that follow. Professionalism, commitment to best practices and to high standards of excellence are at the heart of this award.
"Making a Difference in Our Communities" will go to those who have made a significant contribution to incorporating the ideals and interests of MIT and our neighbors into our daily work. Accomplishing these objectives may involve initiating and maintaining sustainable, collaborative partnerships; actively participating in community service; and/or serving as mentors and model citizens.
"Serving the Client" will recognize those who strive to improve the value and efficiency of the services they provide. The emphasis will be on quality service delivered to Institute customers including faculty, other academics, students, alumni and administrators, both within and across departments.
"Working Smarter/Getting Results" will be awarded to those who have identified, created and implemented innovative solutions to improve the way work is done, making it easier, more efficient and/or less costly while maintaining or enhancing client satisfaction. To achieve desirable and unexpected outcomes, the team or individual will embrace and/or manage change and encourage collaboration.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on May 23, 2001.
