Don’t be afraid to celebrate your organization’s successes

All too often, organizations do a lot of good things throughout the year, but perhaps do not celebrate them as widely as they should. Don’t be the best kept secret.

So, your organization had a very successful year. Perhaps you underwent a major expansion, hired an additional 20 employees, or collectively rose over $25,000 for charity. Whatever it might be, have you celebrated these successes?

In many cases, the answer is often no. But why?

To avoid seeming self-righteous or greedy, many organizations do great things throughout the year as their regular course of business. This is very admirable and should be commended. Often times, these successes are due to the commitment of the employees, leadership, partners, or industries served.

The meaning to celebration is not simply to brag about the good deeds, but to also share the credit with those who committed so much to make them come to fruition.

For example, if you company conducted a financial contribution campaign for a certain charity, it is likely that the employees, vendors, managers, owners, and perhaps a match from the company help reach or exceed the goal. Maybe a friendly competition for this campaign took place between business units or event competing companies within the community.

This is a great chance to share the success by thanking all those involved who made it happen…and by celebrating it, will continue to do so in years to come.

Also, the public perception of organizations who share their successes with those who helped them achieve them is much more favorable.

So, make it a point to celebrate your successes. Some great ways to do this might be within the organizations newsletter, e-blasts, website, or by public displays such as open houses, awards banquets, or chartable campaign events. Whatever the activity, saying Thank You is never a bad thing to do.

Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.” 

Did you find this article useful?