Hate your work environment? Build rather than tear down. Whining reinforces negative environments. Celebrations build and reinforce positive environments.
Celebrations create culture.
Sadly, short-sighted leaders are stingy with positives and free with negatives. All they talk about is:
- What went wrong?
- What needs to be fixed?
- What fell short?
Negative celebrations build negative environments.
Additionally, thoughtless leaders reserve celebrations for “the big stuff.”
Celebrate more; celebrate small.
Celebratory questions:
Ask these questions to colleagues and employees.
- What qualities do you respect in those around you?
- What do you love about your job?
- What’s going right?
Celebration in meetings:
End every meeting with affirmations, congratulations, and recognition.
Saying, “Great job,” keeps everyone doing a great job.
Power tip: Let small celebrations stand on their own. Little negatives at the end drain positives of their power.
Celebrate small:
- Smiles.
- Pleasant attitudes. “Your positive attitude lifts the spirit in our office.” Don’t add, “You should try it more often.”
- Laughter. “I love the sound of your laugh.”
- Kindness.
- Generosity.
- Things others do that you can’t. “You’re great with upset customers.” Don’t add, “I wish I was.”
- Happy customers.
- The present. Don’t let past failure or future uncertainties prevent celebrating now.
- Human contact and relationships.
- Insights. The next time someone shares something they learned from a book, celebrate. Perhaps you don’t get it. They do, so celebrate.
Bonus: Transform criticism into celebration. “Thanks for caring for my success. What’s the next step?”
Self-reflect:
How do people feel when you’re around? Your answer explains the culture you’re building. Truth is, it explains the life you’re building.
How can leaders celebrate more and celebrate small?