After the Fireworks: Why Celebrating Success Matters for Leaders
I am still a such a kid when it comes to fireworks – I love setting them off. I hope everyone did whatever the love most for the 4th and got time with family and friends (and fireworks).
As our ears stop ringing and we return to our routines, I thought about the idea of celebrating, both as a nation and in our personal and professional lives. Independence Day is more than just a holiday, it’s a moment to pause to honor progress, reflect on hard-won victories, and reconnect with our sense of purpose. I wonder, how often do we bring that same spirit of celebration into our work as leaders?
Key Takeaways
Just before the holiday, I had a great conversation with Tricia Warren (LinkedIn) of TLW Integrated Solutions and we dug into the often overlooked habit of celebrating wins with our teams. It’s all to each for technical leaders to move quickly from one challenge to the next, rarely stopping to reflect and celebrate what’s gone well. But just like the traditions of July 4th, taking a minute to mark achievements isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about building culture, resilience, and momentum.
- Success Needs to Be Seen:
We noticed that in fast-paced environments, accomplishments can easily go unnoticed. As leaders, it’s our job to spotlight these moments, whether it’s a project delivered on time, a tricky bug finally squashed, or a team member stepping up to help others. Take the time to make success, even small ones, visible to the team and to those around the team. - Celebration Builds Stronger Teams:
Celebrating success doesn’t have to be a huge expensive deal. Sometimes, a genuine “thank you” in a meeting or a shoutout in a group chat is all it takes to boost morale and reinforce the behaviors that lead to team success. Consistent celebration creates a culture where people feel valued and motivated to keep growing and keep contributing to the mission. - Practical Ways to Celebrate:
We shared simple, actionable strategies:- Have planned and unplanned celebration moments.
- Scale the celebration to match the achievement.
- Keep a list of ways to celebrate so you aren’t caught with no idea in the moment.
Watch the Conversation
Ready to dive deeper? Check out the whole conversation where we unpack the “how” and “why” of celebrating success, sharing real-world examples and tips you can use right away. Whether you’re leading a technical team or navigating your first management role, these insights will help you build a culture that celebrates progress along the way, not waiting for perfection.
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