
By Brian Murphy
Are you recognizing your people for their hard work?
We do a pretty cool thing at Norwood (well, many cool things, but here’s one).
The Waymark Awards.
In the wilderness, Waymarks are trail markers that guide travelers and hikers, ensuring they’re on the right path. I am not a hiker, but I know that staying on the path is pretty important, if you want to arrive at your destination and not vanish into the wilderness.
We celebrate Waymark recipients at our annual Camp Norwood retreat, giving winners a physical wooden Waymark token. There are six Waymarks; five are tied to our unwavering company values, with a sixth given to a recipient who brings new insights to the table.
Our COO Clayton Simons makes them in his workshop. Which is awesome.
I’m highlighting these not because I won one (OK, I did win one—I’m great. Moving on.) but because I think it’s important for every organization to recognize people doing good work.
The Waymarks don’t cost our company anything…except that someone makes them.
We collectively vote on them.
We celebrate them.
In short, we value them, and in so doing reinforce our own company values.
You can do something similar. Make the time and effort. It’s worth it, because a company is a collection of people, and people are your most important asset.
Lexi Vivas (The Obstacle is the Way)
“The Obstacle is the Way” is about facing challenges with resilience, adaptability, and unwavering focus. It’s about transforming barriers into bridges and pushing forward, even when the path gets tough.
Crystal May (True North)
“True North” is a person’s inner sense of purpose, values, and beliefs that guides them in life. It’s a unique compass that helps people navigate when the world around them is unclear. It is the non-negotiable that we will always do what is right for our team and our partners.
Courtney Dick (Unique Trees, One Forest)
“Unique Trees, One Forest” celebrates those who go above and beyond to bring people together, support others, and reinforce our shared mission.
Jesse Pike (Learning is our Journey, Knowledge is our Legacy)
This value is all about the pursuit of growth, the sharing of knowledge, and the impact of learning on ourselves and those around us.
Emily Wehnes (Raven Waymark)
This new Waymark is presented to those who bring innovative and fresh insights to the table, enabling Norwood to soar to new heights. It’s for those who see something and do something—and don’t wait to be told what to do.
Brian Murphy (Deep Roots, Strong Connections)
This value is about building genuine relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating connections that go beyond the day-to-day. It’s about people who not only keep the lights on but make the place feel like home.
Related News & Insights
The work of mid-revenue professionals always comes down to values and character
By Brian Murphy A reminder that in the end it really is all about values and character….
Qui Tam Confidential: An Insider’s Look at Whistleblowing with Mary Inman
Listen to the episode here. We hear about lawsuits and false claims acts regularly, but did…