Summer is practically upon us in the northern hemisphere, so my mind has naturally been wandering to picnics, parties and celebrations of every kind. I don’t need a very big reason to throw a party. It’s genetic. Finding six matching wine glasses in my kitchen cabinet is reason enough.
Projects are also fertile territory for all manner of festivities. For example, if you live long enough you’ll eventually complete a project successfully. When the customer is delighted beyond words, when the I’s have been dotted, the T’s crossed, and the seemingly endless task list is dwindling to mere trifles, it’s time to celebrate. What’s the best way for you and your team to mark such an accomplishment? How should the tireless souls who made it possible be recognized and appreciated? I have a few ideas.
Congratulations! On to the Next Impossible Project.
Don’t ruin the fleeting bliss of a successful project completion by “celebrating” it all wrong. Before I start with the Do’s of celebration, let me clearly spell out the Don’ts.
While there are many ways to celebrate project success, the one I am least fond of is assigning the team to the next demanding project. The reward for doing a great job shouldn’t be to get stuck with the next gnarly task. After the death march, at least hold a wake. Take some time, spend a few bucks, have a little shindig. The next project can wait another 24 hours!
Read more at ProjectConnections.