Lessons Learned from an Aggie Ring

By Richard Scruggs

copied from http://cnve.org/default.asp?Mode=DirectoryDisplay&id=175

You can find an important lesson in just about any setting. I composed this article sitting in a Mexican restaurant across from campus on the day Aggie Rings were distributed. All around me were kids celebrating their new jewelry. If you are an Aggie, you know the joy that comes with reaching this milestone. Moms, dads and friends all joined in the celebrations. It was fun to watch.

As I watched the celebrations, it occurred to me that what everyone was celebrating was an interim milestone — they had not graduated or landed that all important first job. They still have a lot of work to do. Their future is not certain. Despite this, they were celebrating. I also suspect that receiving that ring and celebrating with mom and dad also renewed their dedication to finishing their degree and moving on to the "real world".

I enjoyed watching everyone celebrate and got to thinking about business. I wondered if we celebrate interim milestones enough. I wondered if managers remember the value of celebrating the little accomplishments that add up to success. I wondered if we all remember the how it feels to be told that you are on the right track, making good progress and we're confident you'll get to the goal.

For 25 years I worked in project-oriented companies. I remember many end-of-project dinners, parties and happy hours. I remember very few mid-project celebrations. I remember mid-project get togethers that were more team building than celebration. I remember many interim events that were driven more by the staff than leadership.

I know a lot of celebrating goes on in business. I'm also sure we can do more - especially celebrating interim accomplishments. It is important to let people know that they are on the right track, that they are making meaningful progress and that, while the goal may be a ways off, we know they will get there.

So...as you look at your Aggie, Longhorn, Red Raider or other ring, let it remind you of an important lesson. Remember how you felt when you reached that interim milestone in your college life. Then think about how to recreate that feeling among your co-workers. Find meaningful milestones to celebrate in your own company. Create a culture of celebration - progress as well as completion. I guarantee you'll see a difference in your team.

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