How to celebrate workplace successes #PurpleRain

I think it is safe to say the world was shocked with the news of Prince's death last week.  What has been amazing to watch unfold is how many stories about his work and career have been coming out.  Those closest to him knew many of them, but the world is just getting a peek into some of it now.

It got me thinking about why people are recognized for achievements after they are gone and not before.  It also happens with good employees at companies every day - good work goes unnoticed and is not truly missed until it is gone.  Here are some suggestions to prevent that from happening to you and your company:

1)  Use social media outlets to celebrate successes, anniversaries, achievements, and more.  One of my partners here at Capstone recently celebrated her ten-year anniversary.  We got her a cuckoo clock with the inscription, "Ten years with us, and you haven't gone cuckoo yet."  We are proud of her and want the world to know about it!

2)  Use small rewards to keep employees motivated.  I don't care how successful you are, or what point you are at in your career, a $25 gift card to your favorite restaurant for being a good team player should mean something to just about anyone.  Heck, even if you don't use it, you know that someone else paid attention to a good deed or contribution.

3)  Just say it.  Just like the infamous Nike tag line, it isn't that difficult.  If you see someone working hard and even staying late to complete a project ahead of a deadline, give that person a high five and tell them "Nice work!"  Or better yet, perhaps you were recently helped by a colleague, subordinate, or boss.  Someone did something for you that was extra effort and not asked for.  Give that person mad props and even find a way to re-pay that down the road.

4)  Encourage others to do the same.  It should not just be the boss doling out gratitude and gifts.  Build others up in the organization so that they feel empowered to recognize others as well.  I know some companies even have formal programs for this.  If you see someone committing a random act of kindness, put an anonymous note card in the drop box to make sure others are aware.  You see it all the time on Facebook, YouTube, and other outlets - strangers seeing other strangers doing good things and letting the world know about it.  If you would consider doing that for a stranger, why not consider it for a fellow employee??

The bottom line is that it is always good practice to be pro-active and intentional when celebrating workplace successes, big or small.  Don't wait until it is a too late and an employee has left for another company to know how great they were.  This can be a powerful retention tool!