My loader was asked to drive this week as we were short staffed due to vacations (Spring Break). The substitute loader just does not do the same job, although not from lack of effort. I made sure to thank him every day and will find him first thing tomorrow morning and thank him again for his hard work. Did my thanking him improve the load quality? No, but I did notice that the effort he put forth actually increased as the week went by. The ironic part is that Josh (my loader) complained to me about the quality of his load.
My point? How hard would it be for a center manager to walk up to you, extend his hand, and say "Thank you", whether it be for 25 years of service or for whatever reason.
I am not a candidate for the Circle of Honor but I do feel that this program, along with the banquet, jacket and overnight hotel stay, should have been maintained as this is our Hall of Fame and something that we aspire to. The program could have been paid ten fold through the savings these drivers afforded UPS.