When you win do you celebrate? When you experience success, what do you do? Is it a quick congratulations and a pat on the back, and then a immediate return to work or ministry? Are you, as a team leader, motivating your team to continue to deliver their best? The need to remind your team that you are involved with a winner, and that they are part of a winning organization is vital to ultimate success. Never forget people, like to win and people love recognition. I can’t tell you how many organizations and leaders would benefit from a better understanding of this leadership characteristic. Beth and I have watched as success becomes boredom in some organizations, and how the lack of recognition destroys Spirit de corp, motivation, and energy. This is especially common in mission organizations. For some reason, celebration is often overlooked and sadly even frowned upon. It is characterized as unspiritual. The celebration of success not only feeds the emotional stature of your organization, but it also helps the team to focus on a goal and the goal setting process. It creates an environment that either attracts talent or disposes of gifted talent of success is not celebrated. Celebration builds momentum and critical mass within an organization all while you, the leader, can reward specific people or specific groups of people. It allows the leader to establish closer, personal relationships with people in their organizations. Remember to celebrate success: 1. Send a handwritten note of congratulations. 2. Give A simple gift or give away something of real value to reinforce the value of the success. 3. Look for and catch people doing something right. 4. Do whatever you are going to do to encourage authentically. 5. Make sure you celebrate immediately; don’t withhold until it’s too late. 6. Have fun! “Rejoice and be glad.” “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” - Tom Peters Strive to correct this in your leadership style and watch what happens in your organization - you will be amazed at how you become a magnet for talent and achievement. It is my belief that this is a missing piece in many ventures, and will either make or break leadership. It is also one of the keys to passing on Leadership and a lasting legacy.