Call them prized veterans, mentors, stars, uber-leaders. Label them whatever you want. We all have them around us in our work lives.
But whatever you do, don’t let them go unnoticed.
While they might seem like they have all the answers, or quick access to them, the fact is that industry and sector stars deserve, and thrive, on pats on the back, just like the “regulars” among us.
We’re talking about people who are reaching the top, or peak, of their professions or positions. That’s why the new McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards program is so fitting for you and those around you.
We’re honoring the best leaders in skilled nursing, senior living and home care, and you get to tell us who the honorees should be. Or at least whom an independent panel of judges of exquisite caliber themselves should consider. There are many, we know.
The 2022 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards opened nominations this week. We expect to have a grand time celebrating the best of the best among you. Whereas many recognition programs expect the field’s veterans to gaze down the line to make nominations, this program declares outright: It wants long-term care’s best and brightest who have been at it for a while — at least 20 years, in fact. Often, we must admit, a leader has been taken for granted.
Call it a “40 over 40” type program or “Masters of the Mindset” or anything you want. But the Pinnacle Awards will raise up the outstanding professionals among us who are anything but flashes in the pan or short-timers. Maybe we call them long-term care long-timers.
We’re making sure the spotlight shines around, too. Awards will be given in both for-profit and nonprofit tracks for skilled nursing (as well as in separate tracks for senior living and home care).
What’s more, you can highlight what a nominee does especially well by putting them up in one of five categories:
• Setting the Standard Award
• Agent of Change Award
• Inspiration Award
• Thought Leader Award
• Unsung Hero Award
There also will be awards given in Industry Ally and Business Partner categories for those not typically toiling day to day among the halls of our caregiving communities. This program raises up providers, as well as those who help caregivers do their jobs so much better. Check out the details about who we’re referring to here.
Do you have a boss, manager, leader, colleague or former co-worker who has done proud work for at least as many years as you can count on your fingers and toes? Let us know about them.
Nominations are open through Oct. 20, or Oct. 27 if you’re one of those extra-busy types (OK, stop laughing; that could include everybody, I know).
We’ll announce finalists Dec. 1 and then we’ll fire up to celebrate the honorees — your honorees — at a grand in-person reception and awards ceremony in March. It will be the place to be, as past McKnight’s soirees have illustrated quite well.
More details about the program and the submission form are via the event’s entry kit. The event website also has many details at www.mcknightspinnacleawards.com.
Look around and see who makes you proud. Then do something to make them proud. Nominate them for the 2023 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards, where the best of the best will get their well-earned salutes.
James M. Berklan is McKnight’s Executive Editor.
