When you’re running a business, it can feel like you’re a full-time problem solver with a treadmill of issues; one solved, and another takes its place. Sometimes we’re guilty of hacking away mindlessly at our never-ending list of things to do.

So, what happens when we forget to stop, reflect, and celebrate our achievements along the way?

Our work begins to feel dull, arduous, and meaningless.

Celebrating your team’s achievements forces everybody to stop and reflect on the journey, i.e., where you’ve come from and where you’re about to go next. It ‘recharges the batteries’ and relaxes the tension inherent in teamwork, allowing bonds to strengthen.

Celebrating wins also provides a platform for you to acknowledge the contributions made by your people. It’s your opportunity to ‘fill their cup’ with genuine gratitude so that they feel validated. As Napoleon, the infamous wartime general, said: ‘No amount of money will induce someone to lay down their life, but they will gladly do so for a bit of yellow ribbon.’

No matter how big or small the win, the benefits of celebrating remain the same. The key is to be consistent, monthly or quarterly, and find more reasons to acknowledge your team’s progress informally.

Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of celebrating the wins with your team:

• Celebrate outside the office. It’s challenging to switch gears and socialize effectively at your desk. Go out for a drink, a bite to eat, or a social activity where people enjoy socialising with each other outside of work. Your team will see the effort you’ve gone to and feel more valued as a result.
• Set the tone early on in the celebration by delivering a short yet meaningful speech acknowledging your team’s achievements. Be specific about who you’re recognizing and why – don’t assume that people know. You may not like public speaking, but remember, it’s not about you; it’s about them. So speak up, keep it short and sweet, and make them feel special.
• Focus on getting to know each other personally and resist serious discussions about work. It’s time to disconnect from the job and connect with each other. Keep it light, positive, and have fun!
• Ensure you get around and spend time with everyone. A leader who stays in the corner and only confers with his clique will appear elitist and do their reputation harm. The event is about your team, so be with them, and show genuine interest. As a leader, you’re always on show, and people will always judge your actions over your words.

Celebrating the wins with your team is a form of giving back and expressing your gratitude despite the challenges that lie ahead. It’s a time to reflect, bond together, and remind ourselves that we are all on the same team.

Done well, celebrating is a highly productive activity that enables your people to get the best out of each other. Your team will thank you for it and likely return the gesture with greater cohesion, engagement, and results.

I recommend you try it.