HOW TO CELEBRATE SUCCESS AT WORK
It’s more important than ever to celebrate workplace victories. Recognition for individuals and teams helps to retain top talent, increase employee engagement, and encourage high performance. An employee who has been recognized is 63% more likely to stay at his or her current job within the next three to six months, according to one study.
Ask yourself: How well do you recognize and celebrate success at work?
As a military buff, I am always looking for ways to incorporate successful processes and efficiencies from the Armed Forces into business. One thing I’ve noted is that our military constantly achieves goals — moving from one to the next. But they also recognize their victories — no matter how small or big.
What constitutes a workplace victory worthy of recognition?
To celebrate a victory, we must first have a clear goal or objective. That goal must be realistic and achievable. We must have some authority and mandate to corral the people, processes, and tools to complete it. We should know what the goal means to the company and/or to our team.
I recommend using at least one of these three requirements in determining if it’s a goal or objective:
- Any goal can be dreamed of, but before dedicating time and money to it, the company must ask if it can be achieved. Do we have the capabilities, experience, and resources to attain its completion?
- Once people are assigned to pursue a goal, one of the first questions they should resolve is their decision-making authority. Can they resolve issues? What decisions require executive involvement?
- Many goals fail because they lack urgency, focus, and commitment. If a company establishes a goal or objective, but it does not have the executive support and commitment to achieve it, then the goal will likely not be reached. Once the team hits problems or questions their ability to successfully achieve the goal, the strength of its meaning — to the team and to the company — gives them a reason to press onward.
If your goal meets all three of these requirements, then the next phase focuses on managing the work toward achieving it.
Any team members working toward the goal should be able to answer (at any time) the following questions:
- How well are we progressing toward its completion?
- Are there issues or barriers preventing us from completing it on time and within budget?
- Has the situation around us changed that requires the goal to be re-evaluated for priority?
Too many organizations just move on to the next goal without any recognition of the wins. But if you ignore the wins, your team members might start to question, “What was the point of all that hard work?” You will miss the opportunity to inspire them—and others.
Six Ways to Recognize the Wins
After your team reaches a goal and declares victory, be sure to recognize the accomplishment. Whether your team is in the office or working from home, or a hybrid of both, here are a few ways you can boost morale, reflect on success, and look forward to future wins.
- Write a note. A handwritten message can go a long way!
- Give the team a shout-out during the next meeting—virtual or in person. You can also use your company’s social channels for this.
- Send a token of your appreciation, like a gift card or gift basket.
- Offer extra PTO.
- Fund registration for a professional development opportunity, like a conference or seminar.
- Provide a monetary bonus. Compensation is always appreciated!
Celebrating the wins will go a long way toward ensuring the next success because your team will know you value them. This is especially important as people who work remotely may be feeling a bit disconnected. And it will help you retain and attract great talent!
LEAD FOR TOMORROW
Do you need help working through leadership challenges? Contact us to learn about Bill’s leadership keynote speaking, executive coaching, and facilitation services.
