In the 2014 TMG Focus Groups, TMG employees expressed a need to feel more valued for their contributions.   In response to this feedback, the TMG Total Compensation Re-Design Sub-Committee recommended a peer-to-peer recognition program as one way to acknowledge great work and show appreciation between TMG colleagues. This TMG recognition program launched in 2018 and runs annually.

The TMG Recognition Awards provide TMG members an opportunity to recognize their fellow TMG colleagues and are intended to celebrate members who are contributing to a brighter McMaster through the demonstration and reinforcement of McMaster’s core leadership capabilities.

As the intent of this program is for TMG members to recognize their colleagues, both the nominator and nominee must be members of TMG.

Full-time and part-time TMG members are eligible to participate. Nominators are encouraged to think of TMG colleagues they work with through projects and/or committees as well as TMG colleagues in their immediate department or faculty area.

Nominations from all levels of TMG will be supported which may include supervisors nominating their direct reports or TMG members nominating their supervisors.

Please note that nominators can submit a maximum of two nominations.

This program takes place annually and the award period is the calendar year.  Nominations will open in the fall each year, and the awards will be presented at the winter TMG Forum.  Announcements will be sent out to TMG members annually to identify the specific nomination period. Updates can also be found on this website when dates are confirmed and nomination forms are available.

When the nomination period opens for the TMG Recognition Awards, the nomination form will be available on this website.  The nomination form collects basic identifying information and nominators are asked to share examples of how their nominee has demonstrated one or more of the six core leadership capabilities.

• Champions Change & Innovation
• Communicates & Collaborates
• Develops People
• Drives Results
• Invests in Relationships
• Takes a Strategic & Inclusive Approach

Answers on the nomination form may not exceed 500 words.

Nominators should consider reviewing the “What is the selection process?” section below to better understand how the nomination will be scored.  Nominators may also wish to review the Sample Successful Nomination Submissions located on the right column of this webpage to see the breadth and depth of the answers that resulted in an Award.

Once the nomination form is completed and submitted, it is reviewed as part of the selection process (outlined below).

The TMG Recognition Awards celebrate outstanding contributions by members of the TMG community. To ensure a fair and thoughtful selection process, the following steps are undertaken:

1. Nomination Submission

All nominations must be submitted through the designated process outlined on the TMG Awards website. Once received, each nomination is reviewed for completeness and alignment with the eligibility criteria. 

2. Initial Review and Consultation 

Submitted nominations are shared with the nominee’s supervisor and Human Resources Services.

3. Short-Listing

Following the initial review, a short-list of nominations is prepared. This short-list reflects those nominations that are complete, meet all eligibility requirements, and are deemed to be strong candidates for further consideration. Not all nominations will advance to this stage. 

4. Committee Review and Final Selection.

A selection committee is convened and is composed of members from the TMG Committee and TMG Sub-Committees.  

Once nominations have closed, members of the TMG Awards Selection Committee independently review and score the short-listed nominations in each award category (based on the scoring criterion rubric) and develop a list of recommendations.   

Nominations are scored based on the depth and breadth of examples provided. The scoring criterion rubric ranges from 1 (no information or clearly does not demonstrate the capability) to 5 (shows exceptional (above and beyond) evidence of demonstrating the capability).  

Committee members reference McMaster’s Core Leadership Capabilities to help them identify observable abilities, skills, knowledge, motivations, and traits outlined in the nomination submission. 

Committee members also reference the Proficiency Levels to consider the scope of each capability at different levels of leadership. 

Once scores are submitted by all committee members, they are compiled and shared in a selection committee meeting.  The Committee will select the list of final award recipients whose contributions are, in the committee’s view, the most significant. A maximum of one award for each of the six leadership capabilities will be granted, which could result in a maximum of six TMG members being recognized annually. 

After the selection committee determines the list of TMG Award recipients, the TMG Committee Co-Chairs and/or Human Resources Services will:

• personally notify all recipients of their successful nomination and invite them to the TMG Forum for the presentation of their award. Each recipient will receive their nomination package, which outlines their reasons for their nomination and identifies their nominator.
• contact all remaining nominees to congratulate their on their nomination and invite them to the TMG Forum.
• advise all nominators of the outcome of their nomination submission.
• inform supervisors and Human Resources Business Partners of the outcome of the nomination process.
• communicate the short-list of nominees and Award recipients at the TMG Forum and on this TMG Recognition Awards website.

Each award recipient will:

• be recognized formally at the winter TMG Forum
• receive a congratulatory letter from the University President
• receive a personalized award certificate
• receive a congratulatory gift; and
• be profiled on the TMG website

Additional recognition may appear in other University communications.  Award details are subject to change.

For more information about the program or to request a coaching session to support your nomination submission, please reach out to Deb Garland, Manager, Workplace Health & Well-being Strategies.

To ensure continuous improvement for this program, we invite you to provide your feedback and suggestions by contacting any of the responsible parties listed under the Contact Us section located in the menu on the right column of this webpage.