REJOICE SPIRIT CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES, C’MON!

Plan to applaud when you’re setting goals

WRITER: SCOTT PERKINS

Ours is a culture of progress. From that, we attribute positive identity to people — both our self and others — who produce. One of the drawbacks to this is a continual moving on from one thing to another, whether it is from task to task in our day, or goal to goal in our leadership.

The feeling that we need to produce constantly in order to maintain a sense of self is very draining. There is pressure inherent in that way of living and leading, and it will eventually wear you, and those around you, down to the nub.

While pursing awareness of motivation and developing soundness of your sense of self are essential to long-term success, having goals and working toward outcomes never stops.

An important discipline to not being consumed by goal setting and production is the ability to celebrate.

How often do you take time to celebrate milestones? What is your built-in plan to celebrate achieving goals? Part of coaching is directing clients to the importance of personal celebration as incorporating it into their leadership.

Beyond just having fun, there are many positive results involved with celebrating.

Celebration Stre

1RELEASES STRESS.

In the pressure to achieve, stress and anxiety builds up, often in the background while we are distracted planning and working. Taking time that is not task or goal directed gives the opportunity to release stress in a way that will not be ultimately detrimental to future goals.

In the pressure to

2

CELEBRATION PROVIDES MOTIVATION.

In an obvious way, if you know something good is on the horizon, there is motivation to pursue the carrot on the stick, as when you promise yourself a new pair of jeans for meeting a weight loss goal. Going deeper, celebrating reminds you of why you are pursing your goal in the first place. It is a great way to be reminded of a vision or mission that is ultimately greater than the celebration itself.

3

CELEBRATING RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE.

We are drawn to the negative. News is negative; our self-talk tends to be negative. Taking the time to celebrate gives evidence of excellence.

4 CELEBRATION SHOWS APPRECIATION AND ACCEPTANCE.

Particularly important when leading a team, taking the time to pause and celebrate shows that you notice and appreciate the contributions that others are making. Want to have people continue to work hard? Let them know that you are not taking them for granted.

5

CELEBRATION BUILDS

ENERGY. Going from task to task, being ruled by deadlines, and knowing you have to produce to meet expectations is draining. Celebrating stands in contrast. It means that the battle was won. Maybe not the war…yet!

6CELEBRATION PROVIDES A TIME OF REFLECTION. In the momentary pause, it becomes possible to look at what went well that allowed the result to be achieved and what could have been done better. Yet, while celebrating, thinking what could be done better is free of condemnation.

INDIVIDUAL WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESSES—NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL

• Share your exciting news with family and friends.

• Thank everyone who supported you.

• Take a day off from work to relish your accomplishment and recharge your batteries.

• Start a success journal.

7

CELEBRATION PROVIDES A MOMENT ON WHICH TO LOOK BACK.

As you press on and experience the typical ebbs and flows of life, you can look back to a moment marked by a celebration to gain encouragement. Think of that pair of jeans you are wearing and what they represent or the banquet you attended with your team. Good things are happening

Celebration is a kind of food we all need in our lives, and each individual brings a special recipe or offering, so that together we will make a great feast. Celebration is a human need that we must not, and can not, deny. It is richer and fuller when many work and then celebrate together. —

Corita Kent and Jan Steward, authors of

“Learning By Heart, Teaching To Free The Creative Spirit”

CELEBRATION TIME

Employees deserve recognition for achieving milestones, receiving awards or meeting deadlines. This helps maintain a culture of unity, togetherness and satisfaction—attributes which motivate employees to give their all and do their best. Here are some ways to show employees appreciation.

• Take them out to dinner and have a few drinks. This will allow you to know your coworkers on a more personal level and build camaraderie.

• Set up a brag board in the office. Public recognition of success helps employees to realize their value and encourages them to do an even better job on the next project.

• Acknowledge success during team meetings. When an employee or employees go above and beyond on a particular project, it’s nice to know their hard work is valued and appreciated.

• Give employees perks. A gift card would suffice. You could also give an employee something that is catered to his or her personal interests.

For example, a sports fan would appreciate tickets to a basketball game.

• Say thank you. This takes very little effort but goes a long way in leaving a lasting impression and long-term respect.

SOURCE: http://blogs.sap.com/innovation/ human-resources/5-ways-to-celebrate-successwith-your-team-in-2015-01967947