In my years of leading people and coaching managers, I’ve noticed a common mistake we’re all guilty of… waiting until the end to celebrate. We hold off on recognizing achievements until a project is complete, a goal is met, or a quarter ends. But why do we save all the celebration for the finish line? Isn’t the journey just as important?
Many of us fall into the trap of “endgame celebrations,” which can drain team enthusiasm and morale. Celebrating only at the end misses the opportunity to recognize the progress and hard work that happens along the way. Research by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer in the Harvard Business Review shows that the most significant boost to team morale comes from making progress in meaningful work. Celebrating small wins keeps motivation high and reinforces a sense of accomplishment.
When we celebrate the process (not just the outcome) we acknowledge the effort, dedication, and growth happening in real-time. Think of it like running a marathon. If you wait until mile 26.2 to feel good about your run, you miss the joy of realizing you made it through mile 13 or pushed through mile 20. Those middle miles build character and deserve recognition.
Celebrating midway milestones can transform team dynamics. It keeps spirits high and provides an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate. Did someone go above and beyond? Recognize it. Did you hit a project milestone early? Celebrate it! These moments act as fuel stations, giving your team the energy to push forward.
And it’s not just a feel-good strategy. Gallup data shows that highly engaged teams are 21% more profitable and 17% more productive. Frequent celebrations drive engagement, and engagement drives performance. Simple math, right?
To break free from the habit of only celebrating at the end, start by incorporating regular check-ins that focus on what’s been achieved, not just what's pending. Introduce “milestone moments” to acknowledge progress, whether it’s a quick shout-out, a celebratory email, or a casual team lunch midway through a project.
Don’t wait until everything is complete to celebrate. Begin recognizing small wins as they happen. Simple gestures like a team cheer or a mention in a meeting can go a long way in appreciating the journey. By doing this, you foster a culture of recognition and build a more resilient team.
So, take a moment today to acknowledge a recent milestone, no matter how minor it may seem. Your team will appreciate it, and you’ll find the journey becomes as rewarding as the final goal. Celebrate now and watch how it transforms your team’s energy and engagement!