Three reasons to celebrate at work

I love hosting a version of this team-building exercise at work. It is a great example of celebrating others.

You simply take a large flip chart pad and put everyone’s names on them, post across the room, and then others go around with fun colored markers and write down the positive they see in their fellow team member. It is nothing but positive and it accomplishes so much! Both the writer and the receiver feel GREAT in the end!

Today, we will wrap up the series on celebrations. I feel there is so much left on the table with this topic, so I’m glad New Year’s is a mere three months away, as I’ll surely hit it again!

Here are three really good reasons you should plan a celebration today  (by the way, the reasons to celebrate are true in virtually any setting):

CELEBRATIONS… 

1. CREATE MOMENTUM! One of my favorite life experiences so far was attending the speed skating event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It was a scene of ongoing celebration. What I learned was that for the Netherlands, speed skating is their national sport, much like baseball or football in America. I loved the sea of orange representing their national colors and the celebration that ensued at every play.  The celebration and cheers created momentum and ultimately helped them no doubt to achieve a medal on that winter day! When taking time to celebrate others we are in essence “cheering” them on to their next victory. We all need more victories!
2. YOUR CULTURE DEPENDS ON IT! The Ancient Greeks initiated the Olympics in great part to promote peace during wartime. It was a chance to pause and allow disparate agendas to come together. The culture of our nations are notably more positive during these international games! I think a terrific example of planned celebrations. An old leadership adage (also applicable to parenting and friendship) is “What we focus on expands.” If we focus on creating an environment where we celebrate each other we are focusing on something we all want to expand and be a part of:generating positive energy, and thus, a positive culture. 
3. MAKES US ALL BETTER! “A rising tide rises all boats.” We have all heard this and it’s one to always remember. This one is short, because of how obvious it is: we must be the ones that ‘raise’ the tide. Celebrations are one way to do this!

Have a strong wrap to your week and I hope many celebrations have ensued so far! I’d love to hear how you have celebrated, both small and large!