As adults, we are often much better at work than we are at play. In fact, we seem to turn play into a form of work, one at which we are sadly less competent. Take, for example, office retirement and birthday parties, complete with balloons, pastries, and the requisite crudité platter. It’s usually a drop-by-between-meetings party. Say hi. Grab a plate of goodies to eat, alone, at your desk. Even the guest of honor may only do a fly-by.
Celebrate to Win
Taking a moment to acknowledge an accomplishment can actually serve as fuel for the next one.
January 26, 2022
Summary.
Most of us don’t have a good plan to celebrate accomplishments. Individuals and organizations tend to have an “on-to-the-next” mindset, as though it is contrary to productivity and efficiency to relish, even briefly, reaching our objectives. Nothing could be further from the truth. Celebration is an important opportunity to cement the lessons learned on the path to achievement, and to strengthen the relationships between people that make future achievement more plausible. The author describes four moments that can be used to celebrate meaningfully.
New!
HBR Learning
Goal Setting Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Goal Setting. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Create—and live up to—better and smarter aspirations.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Goal Setting Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Goal Setting. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Create—and live up to—better and smarter aspirations.