“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” – Tom Peters
In a world often marked by relentless pursuit and constant challenges, celebrating wins, whether big or small, is not just a momentary pause in the journey but a crucial element in the human experience. It enhances not only personal joy but also fortifies the foundations of teams and organizations.
If you want to experience more strength, resolve and unity then you must consider celebration as a strategic element.
The psychology behind celebration
Celebration is vital for mental and emotional health. It is more than just external rewards; it’s about recognizing and appreciating achievements and creating a sense of joy and fulfillment. Celebrations have been found to increase job satisfaction, commitment, and a sense of shared identity among team members, according to a study in the Journal of Applied Psychology. This reinforcement of positive behaviour and attitudes boosts motivation and productivity, fostering a positive work environment.
“Celebrations infuse life with passion and purpose. They summon the human spirit” – Terrence E. Deal
When we are recognized for our real contribution then we long to give true contribution to the team. Consider the last time you experienced a real celebrating moment. What did that do to your performance? How did it improve your relationships?
The challenge of celebrating
Despite its benefits, celebrating can be hard for some. Negative experiences or perceptions of insincerity and favouritism can deter people from engaging in celebration. Cultural differences and personal insecurities also play a role. However, celebrating others is a skill that can be learned and developed, leading to a more positive and supportive workplace culture.
Some leaders fear that celebrating might lead to unproductivity or time-wasting, but these are misconceptions. Celebrating achievements, in fact, often leads to increased engagement and hard work. It’s about understanding the benefits and the effectiveness of celebrating correctly.
In over a decade of working together, Steve and I have realized the power of celebration in our work relationship. I tend to want to celebrate often the achievements of the team and the fulfillment of momentum and wins, while Steve tends to celebrate the individual impact that has been had on others. The key is to understand how and why we celebrate so that we don’t discount its power.
To celebrate is to provide the emotional support that tells others that you are for them, not against them or simply for yourself. It can be challenging to provide this level of relational intelligence, but it can be a competitive advantage to cultures within teams – to celebrate success in authenticity.
The untapped power of celebration
Many people grew up in environments where celebration was undervalued. These people often miss out on the joys of life and the acknowledgement of hard work. It’s only when they experience the power of celebration that they realize its importance in acknowledging hard work and creating memories.
Contrary to some beliefs, celebration is not a sign of weakness. It is an acknowledgement of hard work and progress, vital for boosting morale, motivation, and confidence. Celebrating success shows a positive mindset and a growth-oriented perspective, leading to greater productivity and better outcomes.
Those who celebrate well understand the dynamics of formal and informal celebration to fully untap its power. Formal celebrations are scheduled – typically around birthday’s, year-end successes, holidays or graduations. Informal celebrations can happen via personal notes, random texts, shout outs in a break room or office or simply a personal thank you. Both are needed to fully untap the power of celebration.
The role of personality in celebration
It’s also important to understand the differences within personalities. Different personalities celebrate in varied ways. For instance, thinkers may focus on achievements and logic in celebrations, while feelers may emphasize emotions and personal connections. Understanding these differences can help in tailoring celebrations to be more effective and genuine.
Beginning team meetings with celebration, as opposed to critique, can set a positive tone, encouraging participation and reducing barriers. Leaders who establish a discipline of celebration can influence their teams more effectively, creating a culture where achievements are regularly acknowledged.
Years ago, we created the 5 Voices to help people understand these dynamics. The best understand their personality and make it a point to celebrate even minor accomplishments, create an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated based on who the other person is. This not only boosts morale and productivity but also decreases turnover rates. Conversely, the absence of celebration can lead to decreased morale, lack of motivation, and a negative workplace culture.
Celebrating work without affecting productivity
Celebration doesn’t have to disrupt work. Simple, brief, and well-planned celebrations can effectively recognize success without impacting productivity. These celebrations can be team-focused and low-key, ensuring they are genuine and do not detract from work.
Regular celebrations should be part of an organization’s rhythm. Monthly, quarterly, and annual celebrations can be planned with specific considerations about who should be there, what should be celebrated, and why. These regular acknowledgements of success and hard work can significantly impact team dynamics and overall morale.
In our latest book, The Communication Code, we provide a roadmap of how to create rhythms that are practical and can powerfully unlock relationships one conversation at a time. While not easy, improving relationships through celebration is possible.
The importance of little big things
Small gestures, like a thank-you note or acknowledging a colleague’s success, can create long-term goodwill and significantly impact team and family dynamics. Celebrating at home with simple gestures or traditions can strengthen family relationships just as effectively as large-scale celebrations.
These actions with pure motives can increase your influence and lead to improved engagement.
To build a truly liberating culture, one must develop the discipline of celebration. It is a significant deposit in the relational trust account, equipping teams to handle challenges more effectively. Leaders who understand the importance of celebrating their team’s achievements can create a more positive, engaging, and productive work environment.
Celebrating wins. It’s about being intentional, selfless, and present enough to see the value in others. When done well, celebration not only acknowledges achievements but also fortifies the human spirit, enhances team dynamics, and contributes to overall success and happiness.
Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram are co-founders of GiANT Worldwide and author of the latest book, The Communication Code*, as well as The 100X Leader, The 5 Voices and The 5 Gears.
*[As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]