As we approach the holidays we frequently hear the themes of joy, hope and peace. We associate these concepts with a feeling of warmth and happiness. It is a time when we enjoy being with others and we cherish memories. We even tolerate those we do not enjoy being with as an act of goodwill.
However, this is only once a year. Why do we wait for the holidays to gather and experience the benefits of celebrating together? Instead of coming together in festivity, our focus tends to be on the obstacles we face and problems we need to solve. We push ourselves to keep going but our focus on issues leaves us feeling drained and overwhelmed.
Instead, what would happen if we took time to celebrate what has been accomplished and the gifts others bring to the team? Consider the joy we could experience if we took mere moments to appreciate our team members and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year. It is so incredible that while the past year might not have been perfect, there are many things to be thankful for.
Joy is a choice to focus on the positive and celebrate each other despite our differences. Each person is a gift and adds to the rich tapestry of our team. Each experience we have, whether challenging or positive, is part of the journey and our growth. When we face struggles, we are given an opportunity to learn if we choose to take the chance. Therefore, we can experience joy because we can go through these times together, supporting each other in new ways.
The joy of celebrating our accomplishments together, persevering through challenges, and valuing each person can actually be more impactful than the money and benefits you give to your team.
As a leader, let’s make this a season of joy!
