Business owners and CEOs are extraordinarily busy people. Each day they are ears-deep in every imaginable aspect of running and growing a successful company. And the all those decisions! So often, owners get stuck on a hamster wheel of decision making. With so much going on and even more at stake, it can be challenging for business owners to stop, breathe, and be thankful for everything they have built. And for some, gratitude is almost impossible.
Thankfulness, it seems, is not a sure thing as far as emotions go. It takes the intentional act of reflection on the myriad of actions, implementations and people who got you where you are today – and who will continue to propel you forward on your journey to business success.
It is important to take time to recognize people and their achievements throughout your organization. Recognition and celebration are dynamic, high-impact acknowledgements of individual and team contributions. The act of regularly celebrating both big and small victories in your business is such a potent expression of gratitude.
Public salutes, such as during all-employee meetings, on social media, or through a company newsletter, help to create a culture of appreciation. Celebration becomes a shared experience that binds a team together and creates a sense of camaraderie. It reinforces the concept that every contribution matters. Employees feel seen and valued, and motivated to continue putting their best foot forward.
Be Thankful for Yourself
On the individual level, business owners should remember to practice self-gratitude. Busy owners often fail to acknowledge their own achievements, but a pat on your own back is a good thing! Celebrate personal wins, no matter how small, to maintain your own positive mindset and the motivation to tackle the big stuff.
As a reward to yourself, set aside time to engage in those activities that bring you personal joy. Maybe it’s a spa appointment, a movie with a loved one, or a round of golf. Or celebrate your achievements with others, maybe over a casual lunch or drinks, to enhance your personal wellbeing and strengthen relationships with others.
Give Them Something to Look At
Creating visual representations of achievements is another effective way for business owners to celebrate and practice gratitude in their company. A simple progress chart or a colorful wall of post-it notes highlighting completed tasks serve as visual nods to your team’s successes. Visuals can be incredibly motivating and a great way to track progress too.
Look Outside the Business
Your gratitude as a business owner should extend beyond the four walls of your company to your external support network, including customers, suppliers, strategic partners, and other key stakeholders. This might even include your family members. Success is a team effort, so be sure to honor all those people who have contributed to your success story.
Remember, weaving gratitude into the fabric of your business can be transformative. By celebrating wins, both big and small, you boost morale and foster a thriving company culture. Business owners, by expressing gratitude throughout their teams and within themselves, create an environment that celebrates achievement and builds a positive foundation for sustained success.
So take a few moments this holiday season to think about all those people that got you and your business where you are today. And wish them all a very happy Thanksgiving.
Blair Koch is the CEO of TAB Denver West, a TAB CEO Advisory Board Facilitator, and a Business Ownership Lifecycle Coach. Blair has spent most of her career helping small business owners achieve their personal and professional goals. She also hosts the Best Businesses in Denver podcast.