The Diner in the Desert ZOOM Awards 2021
Well, what a year it’s been. The challenge to pick winners for the inaugural Diner in the Desert Zoom awards has been intense.
So, without Rick Gervais to host, let’s get straight to the winners in the six categories.
The COVID Award for best self isolation in a hotel - goes to a hugely committed contact who spent 3 weeks isolated in a Singapore hotel room, after travelling thousands of miles, only to end up on a Zoom call for the meeting from his room before getting on a flight back home.
The “Its behind you award!” Presented to a Zoom participant with the most intriguing wall art in 2021. Tim (name changed) for not realising the pornographic nature of the art on the wall behind while on a Zoom call from his dinning room.
The “No Show” Award - so many to choose from this year, but the judges decided the award should go to Houston for the power cuts. The judges also wanted to recognise an achievement award for a Houston client who couldn’t appear on Zoom because “I only have 2 minutes charge left on my laptop and I keeping that for something important”.
The Peat and Bruce Best Animal Interruption Award. Unusually this goes to the award sponsor, Bruce the cat, for standing on my keyboard just after I had mentioned to a Zoom caller that their cat was getting in the way. Special mention must also go to the rabbit eating a callers living room carpet (I think).
And finally, The Diner in the Desert Grand Award for Quote of the Year. Jointly awarded for two wonderful quotes:
“I’m desperate to get off Zoom and get in face.”
“I have to find an emotional carrot for my staff”
On a slightly more serious note. During the year I have had some wonderful conversations with people on all manner of things and I would like to thank everyone for their trust and openness. So my final “Soul Award” for my favourite Diner conversations comments this year go to -
A client from the Middle East who, when we talking about the true nature of great Teams said: “A team is where it’s safe to ask for help.”
And, very recently, a leader in Houston: “Leadership is about recruiting someone better than you.”
Have a great 2022!