Celebrating each other

office to share.
While this has a few pros, for example you are not likely to forget your own birthday, it overlooks the biggest con — others forget how to celebrate you.
If you forget the cake (or could not make one because the power was out) would people still remember your birthday or would you remember everyone else’s?
In the hustle and bustle of modern times we often pass over opportunities to celebrate each other and our achievements.
Yesterday was Independence Day — how did you spend your public holiday? At home sleeping or did you do something to build a memory with friends and family? If you did nothing, then an opportunity has slipped by you.
Learn to celebrate the small victories
Imagine a business where every time a contract is landed or a major job gets shipped that a round of coffee appears or pizza arrives at lunch.
A round of pizza does not have to work out at more than US$2 a head (if you want more than two slices go get your own). That is not much to ask for if everyone chips in.
Learn to celebrate the big
Would you love to work at a business where the entire company goes out for lunch at a different restaurant each year on the anniversary of the business?
Then there are the bigger numbers to be celebrated — the five-, 10-, 25-year anniversaries that may require more than just a lunch.
Learn to put it in your budget
I am not just talking about the corporate “look at me and how long I have been here” adverts or the specials designed to draw in customers but the staff get together and thank you that show the people who work for you how much you value them.
Celebrate each other
Birthday rosters with a schedule of who is responsible for the cake and card are easy to draw up in a department.
Not only that; also learn when couple’s anniversaries are due or when a person is about to achieve something out of the ordinary (completing their master’s degree, getting their driver’s licence, you get the idea).
Take a moment to share and revel in their success. Spending time dwelling on a success helps to reinforce its significance.
Celebrate the random
Every now and again break the mould. Do not wait for an excuse to party, create one.
Humpty Dumpty in Lewis Carol’s “Through the Looking Glass” talks about the un-birthday as a reason to share gifts and fun.
Have an “Awesomeness Day” at the office where you as the boss give out gifts to the staff in recognition of their contribution to the company.
It does not have to take long or to break the bank.
Watch the surprise on their faces when they spot the strange parcel on their desk.
Write a thank-you note
A pen-written, hand-inscribed letter on a piece of real paper that has taken a little thought speaks volumes rather than some stupid two-lined bulk forwarded email.
If you doubt its power then send one and watch the results on the relationship and on productivity.
Get hold of a few important clients and send them a gift, or a discount, to say how much you appreciate their business.
Do not just do this because business is tight and you want to suck up to them but as a genuine expression of gratitude.
What about sending a bunch of flowers as a thank you to the receptionist who just managed to get you a five-minute pitch with a potential investor?
While you may save the big gifts for the big days, remember that an ongoing appreciation of people and the work they do stem from a positive attitude of gratitude.
A verbal thank you in recognition of a task well done generates a warm, fuzzy feeling in people that enhances productivity.
Again, this is not just some cliché-driven “Thanks” or “Well done” in passing, but a brief interruption of your time (even if for a few seconds) to look someone in the eye and express simply how thankful you are.
Find things to celebrate in people and make it part of your office culture. Productivity will rise, staff will be happier and the positive emotion in the office will be attractive to clients.
No one loves an ingrate or a party popper, but the person who creates the party is its life and soul.