When your team members are convinced they can handle their challenges, that gives an enormous amount of energy and drive to keep going, even when things are tough. Celebrating successes is particularly important here, believes Pieter Bas Boertje. He founded D&B Eventmarketing in 1988 and worked in the events industry for 37 years. nlgroeit Events.nl "It strengthens self-confidence and team spirit, and so leads to a stronger brand and better business results." He explains how to make sure people are proud of their work, and so increase employees' engagement.
"I'm an emotional person," Pieter Bas admits straight away. "Perhaps that's why I'm so often proud. Not even directly of the end products we deliver as an event marketing agency, but of the people who make them possible. When the creative plan becomes reality because people do things they have never done before and overcome something in themselves as a result… that really gives a kick! Goosebumps!"
Pride leads to flow
Seeing others grow is a mission for Pieter Bas. "A while ago, for example, our team had a training session with former hockey coach Marc Lammers. He believes that flow in a team can be created and thinks our society pays too much attention to what we can't do, while so much more is possible if you focus on what you can do. Especially when you can motivate someone to turn an 8 into a 10, that leads to an enormous amount of self-confidence and pride. Both individual and team pride lead to flow, and flow in turn leads to success," Pieter Bas says, completing the circle.
How do you make sure people are proud?
When you successfully influence your environment, for example by completing a task or solving a problem, your self-confidence rises and you feel proud. In his theory of self-efficacy, psychologist Albert Bandura described four factors that can strengthen that confidence, and with it the motivation to really do something. Bandura
- Experiencing success yourself. It helps to cut big assignments into small pieces. That way you often experience a small success and dare to take the next step.
- Seeing others succeed. This makes you more likely to believe you can do it too. Other people's behaviour inspires you to be brave yourself.
- Receiving encouragement. A pat on the back costs nothing, yet it is rare. If you feel that what you do is seen, heard and appreciated, it helps you focus on the goal rather than the obstacles.
- Learning to deal with negative emotions. With strong emotions, it is harder to think clearly. So it is very useful if you can manage your emotions, so that you keep thinking clearly even in a crisis.
Successes should be celebrated
When people are proud of something or of each other, you can see it, says Boertje. "That has a positive effect on the people around you. Yet successes are still not celebrated often enough. That has everything to do with discipline. Can you force yourself to pause for a moment, is it built into your processes? Is it part of your company culture to take a genuine interest in your colleagues and be happy for them when they have achieved success?"
Celebrating makes an impact
With that, he immediately touches on the biggest challenge: building a company culture in which it is normal to celebrate successes together, and teaching people to reflect on their own capabilities. "Fortunately, more and more companies are aware of the power of celebrating successes; something that has secretly been known for centuries."
As old as humankind
Even in ancient tribes, people were connected to each other by rituals. Around the campfire they shared important information, celebrated major transitions in life and expressed their pride. "Music, rhythm, meaningful stories and celebration already made sure people connected with each other and with the tribe as a whole. We still do this today," Pieter Bas explains, "in the form of anniversaries, staff parties, kick-offs and award galas. Events are our modern campfire moments, when we come together, focus, celebrate and experience."
The power of rituals
Pieter Bas is convinced that strong organisations have a strong shared story. "A mission, an entrepreneurial dream, a powerful brand. Those stories and that belief need to be fed, and that is why it is important for organisations to come together regularly to remind themselves what their purpose is; what they are on earth for and where they are heading." According to him, a milestone, and even a smaller success, is the perfect moment to strengthen the bond between your employees and your brand, and so increase both individual and team pride. Boertje therefore has one clear piece of advice: "Reached a milestone? Celebrate it!"
Also read what are you proud of in your work? and how purpose makes people happier and pays off.
