Most organizations set goals; they are often yearly, monthly and sometimes even daily goals.  These organizational goals often can not be achieved without the help of everyone on the team.  When those goals are achieved, it is a good idea to celebrate those achievements, even if that celebration is on a small scale.  Take for example monthly sales goals.  They can not be achieved without successful shipping, good order taking, and strong customer service.  After a goal achieving month, it is important to take a moment to step forward and tell the team what they accomplished.

As the leader, it is important to take the leadership role in this recognition.  Calling out top achievers and mentioning that the success is a sum of many parts.  One way to set aside some time for recognition is by supplying a meal for the team, and taking part of that meal time to recognize the achievement.

What is the purpose of bringing in lunch?  To show good will?  To gain a captive audience?  Yes.  It is also important to step back and look at the celebration from the eyes of the rest of the team.  The team sees that they are valued.  That their roll, whether that is shipping UPS or stocking the warehouse, plays a key roll in the success of the organization.

Another key part?  Seeing their leaders actively involved.  Bringing in pizza’s and some sub-sandwiches is great…but what if, instead of having the meal catered, the leader puts on the apron and flips the burgers for the employees?  Spends the time and effort to shop for the ketchup and relish.  What does that communicate?  That communicates, “Thank you for all you do to make us successful,  I would like to do just a little something to show that you truly are valued.”

A true leader knows when to lead the ship from the top down, but there are times that leadership is also about working hand in hand with the troops.

Lead By Example