“It’s important that we celebrate our wins. We celebrate our lives because it causes us to want the next bite. It keeps us hungrier, not the reverse.” – Ed Mylett
As leaders, our days are often filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome. It’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending stream of problems that demand our attention. However, amidst this whirlwind of negativity, it’s crucial to take a step back and remind ourselves of the positives that surround us every day. In this world we are leading in, there is a constant battle against negativity. It sometimes feels like we’re always hearing about what’s wrong, what needs fixing, and what’s not working. Most discussions are on how to solve problems, and improve processes. While addressing these issues is essential, it can create a pervasive atmosphere of negativity if not balanced properly.
Each week when we do our manager’s team meeting, the very first thing we open with are ‘Wins’ of the week. These might be things such as getting a new 5 Star Google Review, or a compliment from a client, or landing a new customer. I like to have 2-3 wins cued up to either kick things off if our managers are quiet, or if the wins are rolling, I’ll finish with sharing them. Here is what I’ve learned about this… Sometimes if I don’t document the positive events throughout the week to remember what they are, they can be easily forgotten or drowned out by the negativity in the world. Things like client concerns, sales leads not coming in as frequent, or a team member that is struggling to meet our values.
After we tie a bow on our wins, we move to the struggle bus items that we need to work on. Ironically, coming up with this list can usually be much easier as there always seems to be “something” to address. What I’m getting at is this… If we only focus on and talk about the problems, it can be emotionally and mentally draining. And that drain can take its toll on not just you, but cascade its way right down to the front lines of your Team. It’s great to make improvement part of your culture. But winning team members want to be a part of something where they are seeing the difference in their lives, and those around them, not just constantly dealing with problems.
I find that the same is true when I meet with another business leader that I am helping to grow. I call this our “Good / Bad / Ugly” time of our meeting. We kick it off with something along the lines of them maybe making a great new hire, a new process implemented that is freeing up their time more, or landing a new client, flowing right into a stream of cash flow or sales problems, a toxic employee needing to be promoted to another company, or sales starting to dry up. Yes, our goal is to implement systems to mitigate the problems, but the wins show progress!
Dealing with problems daily, if I found my worth, energy, and self-value from the sources and situations that find their way to me, I’d be (and everybody around me) would be in trouble!
We have to take time to count our blessings. Counting our blessings isn’t just a cliché; it’s a powerful mindset shift that can transform how we lead and how our teams perceive us. By consciously acknowledging and celebrating even the smallest wins, we cultivate an environment of positivity and gratitude. This positivity not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity within our teams. As a family, when we are closing out our day, we like to talk about our wins from the day. The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning and am sipping my first cup of coffee is thinking about the things I’m grateful for going on in my life.
Every achievement, no matter how minor it may seem, deserves some form of recognition. I’ll say that again – Every achievement, no matter how minor it may seem, deserves some form of recognition. Whether it’s meeting a project’s timeline, completing a phase of something you are working on, or resolving an issue, these victories contribute to our overall success. Taking the time to celebrate these wins not only motivates our team members but also reinforces a culture where accomplishments are valued and recognized. Not just always focusing on the problems!
A North Star for the wins is having gratitude for our blessings. As leaders, we set the tone for our teams. By consistently demonstrating gratitude and celebrating successes, we encourage our team members to adopt a similar mindset. This culture of gratitude extends beyond professional achievements to encompass personal growth, teamwork, and the relationships we build along the way.
I’ll tie a bow on this blog with this… In a world where challenges abound and problems demand solutions, it’s easy to overlook the blessings that surround us. As leaders, we are the CPS, or “Chief Problem Solvers”! So it’s very easy to get caught up on constantly focusing on fixing things. I know I have members of my team that are going to read this and call me out on this as being obsessed with personal and professional growth, I have to force myself to stop, reflect, and focus on all of the good! Fellow leaders, let’s make a conscious effort to count our blessings and celebrate every win, no matter how small. By cultivating and fostering a culture of positivity and gratitude, we not only uplift our teams but also inspire everybody around us to achieve greater heights together.
Remember, positivity is contagious, but so is negativity. Lead by example and create an environment where every success — big or small— is celebrated and cherished!