The Price of Prestige: Are Awards Building Your Credibility or Just Buying It?

Hey LinkedIn Community,

We all love a good award ceremony. The glitz, the glamour, the tear-filled acceptance speeches… But what do awards really signify beyond the shiny trophies and social media posts? Are they accurate markers of achievement, or have they become a flashy currency we use to buy credibility? Let's dive into the psychology behind awards, explore who first studied their power, and ask the big question: do they truly hold the weight we think they do?

The Origin of Recognition: Who Started It All?

The concept of awarding people for their accomplishments is as old as civilisation itself. Ancient societies, like the Greeks and Romans, used awards to honour feats of bravery in battle. Fast-forward a few thousand years, and the modern award ceremony—as we know it—has morphed into everything from the Oscars and Emmys to industry-specific accolades like Forbes 30 Under 30 and LinkedIn Top Voices.

But who first asked the more profound questions about why we chase these accolades?

In the early 20th century, psychologist B.F. Skinner took a closer look at how external rewards shape human behaviour. Known for his work on operant conditioning, Skinner discovered that we are highly motivated by rewards. Whether it's a certificate, a trophy, or public recognition, awards validate our hard work. They give us that dopamine rush when someone says, "You've made it."

Are Awards Really About Credibility?

Here's where it gets tricky. Do awards reflect genuine talent and accomplishment, or are they simply tools to boost perceived credibility?

According to research by Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, awards often operate on the principle of heuristics—mental shortcuts we use to make quick judgments. When we see someone win an award, we automatically associate them with success and expertise. In essence, the award becomes a symbol—an easy way for people to assess credibility without diving deeper into actual merit.

But there’s a flip side: in today’s hyper-commercialised world, scepticism about the value of specific awards is growing. I used to describe myself as an "award-winning psychotherapist proudly"—and I still keep that title on my profile, feeling proud of my achievements. However, I stopped actively telling people about it after someone remarked, "Who isn’t award-winning these days?" That comment made me pause. They said, "After all if you wanted to, you could purchase dozens of awards and call yourself a multi-award-winning professional." This may be a little controversial, but it raises an important question: if credibility can be bought, is it truly credibility at all?

The Price of Prestige: Buying Into the Award Machine

Ever notice how many awards require you to "apply" and pay a hefty submission fee? This is particularly common in niche industries and corporate award circuits. While entry fees may cover administrative costs, the question remains: does the money you spend influence your chances of winning?

In many cases, the answer is... yes.

There's a growing trend of companies pouring thousands of dollars into award campaigns—whether it's PR firms lobbying for a spot or organisations paying for sponsorships that guarantee visibility. This raises an important question: If money can tilt the scales, do awards still carry the same weight? Or have they become just another commodity, bought and sold like any other service?

The Psychological Boost—Or Bust

Awards undeniably have a psychological impact. According to research from Edward Deci, another renowned psychologist, receiving external rewards can either enhance or undermine intrinsic motivation. When done right, awards can boost morale, validate effort, and inspire others to reach higher goals.

However, when we focus too much on external validation, we risk relying on awards to define our worth. Deci warns of the dangers of "over-justification"—when too much emphasis on rewards diminishes the intrinsic joy of doing the work itself. In other words, if we start chasing awards purely for status, we may lose sight of our deeper motivations.

So, Are Awards Worth It?

In the end, awards can serve as powerful motivators or hollow symbols. They can boost credibility in the eyes of others, build confidence, and open doors to new opportunities. But they can also be commodified, bought, and—at times—manipulated.

So, do you think you should chase that next award? Absolutely—keep your eyes open. Understand the game, but don't let it define you. True credibility doesn't come from the trophies on your shelf but from the consistency, passion, and authenticity you bring to your work daily.

Next time you see someone win an award, remember that it's not the whole story. It's just a chapter, a snapshot, a moment in time. Whether it was earned through grit, savvy networking, or paid for, the work behind the award tells the real story.

What do you think? Do awards add value to our careers, or have they become just a vanity metric? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Stay curious and keep striving,

Warm wishes always

Belynder x