Living as a Leader

In the present dispensation where the work environment is one characterized by increasing dynamism, leaders may end up with their attention drawn towards the macro-level outcomes the business or organization is pursuing: the quarterly objectives, large projects, and strategic plans among others. These may be self-explanatory, yet we all need to receive constant reinforcement on our efforts and progress, although small they may be. Recognition of these precious successes can boost the morale of the team and in turn their motivation and productivity levels. Here is why leaders should ensure that they congratulate the workers even when they have done the least work.

Witness the Effect of Appreciation

Consider how a snowball forms its shape as it rolls on the slope. Small wins as they are also help to create momentum for within a team or organization. For example, any time a sales team hits their weekly figures by even a little margin there is always the effect of appreciating that achievement to spur them into even greater performance. That is why leaders make sure that such moments are celebrated – it helps advance over time and ensure that everyone is moving in the right direction.

For Example,

Suppose a project manager is involved in a one-year software development project. On the other hand, if the team has achieved a particularly testing sprint before the allotted time then that can be motivating too, though in less specific and formal ways; perhaps with posters around the office or even just a ‘well done’ in the weekly team meeting. It just brings a gentle reminder to their mind that they are progressing and that everything they are doing is a worthy cause. This can create more endorphins which give one the energy to work on challenges during the subsequent sprints..

Enhancing Team Morale

In an age of recurrent burnout, such gestures can act as a shot in the arm to restore morale on the small victories. That is how and when team members feel that they are valued hence will continue to offer their best as a result they feel useful in the team. This is especially the case when people are working under a lot of pressure, they could easily think that their efforts are being overlooked.

For Example,

For instance, consider a marketing team that has recently started a new campaign. Unlike the formal evaluation approaches, a leader can decide to Catalan when the team achieves a certain level of shares or engagements in social media. A simple “Great job, team! Using such things as ‘Our last post was shared a thousand times’!” can inspire the team to aim at sharing posts that will attract even more attention. This acknowledgment strengthens the understanding of still gradual progress movement.

Fostering a Growth Mindset

Moreover, there are meaningful reinforcements for the team since acknowledging small triumphs also strengthens the growth orientation of the team. By encouraging the teams to accept success, leaders pave the way for building a positive belief system in the teams that skills can be acquired through practice. It also results in building up morale as well as the fostering of a strong team capable of adapting to the prevailing circumstances.

For Example,

In the picture, there is a customer support team that has been practising how they can spend less time responding. If they finally bring down average response time by one minute it means that a leader can take a moment to cheer. Acknowledging this improvement ensures that the team members are motivated to work even harder in future because of improved performance. They find out that progress made at any level, and in whatever ways, is closer to achieving their goals.

Strengthening Team Bonds

Finally, recognition of small successes fosters unity amongst teams since teams are the building blocks of any organization. Group huddles make individuals feel like they are part of a team that has won in a task…celebration means people recognize achievements reducing rivalry and hence increasing collaboration among teams.

For Example,

If a leader has had a tough quarter it may be possible to sponsor a team hike in celebration of a successful product launch brought about by tough working. This of course not only concerns their achievements but also helps to reinforce relationships within the group. Such moments of joy are faucets that make everyone realize that we are in this together.

The Final Word

Thus it can be concluded that encouragement of small victories is not only a sweet gesture for a leader; it is a methodical approach to leadership. In this way, leaders can improve team spirit, continuity and solidarity, when they acknowledge these accomplishments.