What behaviors do you celebrate on your teams? Learn how to strengthen your culture by celebrating with intentionality.
When I was growing up, I was praised most often when I made an ‘A’ on a school assignment or when I received a scholarship or an award. So what did I do? I put myself in situations where I had a strong chance at earning top grades and awards. This was sometimes at the cost of taking on classes or opportunities that would have stretched and challenged me in good ways.
Similarly, what we celebrate in our organizations impacts the behaviors and culture of the people on our teams.
If you’re like many leaders who I’ve seen or worked alongside, when you do take the time to celebrate, it’s likely that you celebrate a job well done, the high-quality execution of a milestone, or the praise from a client. These are certainly praiseworthy, and it’s critical to acknowledge and appreciate team members’ hard work!
However, they miss an opportunity to celebrate other critical behaviors that advance an organization’s cultural priorities.
Consider these 4 steps to leverage celebration and strengthen your culture –
- Name what matters – An organization’s mission and values should set the tone for its culture. What do you want to be known for? Innovation, collaboration/partnering, excellence, growth mindset?
- Connect organizational values with your team’s work – According to Gallup research, only 19% of U.S. employees strongly agree that their manager explains how their organization’s cultural values influence their work. Take the time to create this clarity and connection. Provide relevant examples and weave these talking points into team communications.
- Align your feedback with your cultural values – When you share praise or performance feedback, connect it to your organization’s values.
- Bring everyone in on the celebration – Invite each team member to notice and give shout-outs to others for living into your values. This could be at team meetings or through shared communication platforms.
However you choose to do it, let what you celebrate always be intentional.
