Have you ever been served dinner on the red plate? Not any old red plate, but THE Red Plate.

You can get one on eBay: it’s simply a plate that says, “You Are Special Today,” that’s used to celebrate birthdays or achievements or just to cheer someone up.

In our homes and in our companies, traditions say, “This is who we are and what we do. We always do this.” Traditions are comforting and reassuring. Traditions like the Red Plate take this to the next level by adding, “YOU are an important part of who we are and what we do. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

What traditions do you have in your corporate family? How do you make Ms. Jones feel like part of your family?

Sounds like the childhood equivalent of the “Employee of the Month” parking space, doesn’t it? But I like it. I’d like to be served a piece of cake on the Red Plate.

Wouldn’t you?