• Leaders: Celebrate Success #4
Leaders: Celebrate Success #4
Today, I attended a High School Graduation Party for my friend Michael’s son Cody. I was very honored to be included with Cody’s family and friends who all showed support, care and love for his accomplishment. Everyone wrote some memory or some kind message of congratulations. It was really neat to hear what the relatives and family said to Cody. However, we were all choked up with emotion when Michael told how proud he was of his son for his courage to finish, overcoming many odds. Then he presented Cody with a medal of excellence to mark the achievement, which he hung around Cody’s neck. We all erupted with applause, not many dry eyes in the room.
When it was all over, I learned that it was Cody who invited me to come, not my friend Michael. Now I was especially glad that I went. It was about affirmation and care, for a job well done. We must celebrate the victories—it makes a memory. We draw confidence from our success. I drove home thinking about how affirmation and recognition from family and friends was really what this party was about.
However, in reflecting upon my experience today….
I began thinking about how important it is for leaders to celebrate successes. Just as Michael and his wife planned and organized this party for their son Cody, they were putting into practice a principle of leadership: Take every opportunity to celebrate successes and accomplishments of your team. Just as good parents model their appreciation of their children for a job well done, leadership requires no less. If fact, appreciation is quite a motivator, not only personally given, but pulling the whole team together to corporately do it, is better. The recognition combined with words of encouragement and affirmation is all some people need to accomplish greater things. Would you believe it could be more motivational than money rewards? Giving a party in someone’s honor is a big deal for the person, as well as, for those who celebrate with them. It can create a lot of good will and warm appreciation towards others on the team. It is in times of celebrating success that one is challenged and motivated to try harder and to do good work. At least, it sends the message that someone is watching and is saying thanks. Try to look for times to celebrate the success of your team members, you will be modeling good leadership, if you do.
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