Four reasons we should celebrate our wins

From maintaining team morale to preventing burnout – why leaders should celebrate success

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Management Today

Most of us celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, but why do many leaders neglect to celebrate career milestones and achievements? Celebrating the wins – however small – is not simply about patting yourself on the back; it is fundamental to your business journey and building on your accomplishments.

• Boost your influence

Entrepreneurs can feel isolated, working long hours and often alone. Commending your successes helps to associate your venture with others. Marking milestones will expand your circle of influence, open networking doors and attract new customers and/or recruits.

• Motivation

Business can feel like a series of never-ending tasks. It is easy to become caught up in completing one task and then moving unceremoniously on to the next, without stopping to appreciate how far we have come. Acknowledgement is important to prevent the gradual loss of motivation, known as burnout, and ensure you keep moving forward.

• A winning mindset!

There will always be setbacks in business, but a celebration of when things go right will help develop or keep a positive mindset. The most successful leaders are those who are resilient and positive-minded. Central to this is confidence in your skills; recognising your accomplishments is fundamental to developing this confidence. Leaders who are confident in their abilities are more likely to take risks and, therefore, achieve successes that others might have avoided.  

• Teamwork!

As well as celebrating your own achievements, you should also acknowledge your teams. Lead by example and promote a positive company culture. Making employees feel as though their contributions are recognised and valued will help motivate and engage your team. Whether this is a celebratory meal, a gift card, flowers, or simply a ‘well-done’, any act of recognition can go a long way.