When you are busy fighting fires, or shoring up dams, or generally focused on what’s next, it is easy to forget to stop and see what has already gone right. However, by continually looking at what is not working yet, you can make it seem like you are spinning your wheels. To keep up your own energy and to keep from demoralizing the rest of the organization, it is important to stop and acknowledge how far you have come. To influence change, recognize success.
Recognizing success requires first that you know what success looks like. Success means achieving goals, performing desired behaviors, and reaching milestones. Sometimes, it can be more subtle, like movement in the right direction, or changing minds one at a time. Look ahead and decide what success means at each step.
Next, you must be able to see that you and others have attained some success. On a regular basis, step back from the constant push forward to take stock of the distance covered. Search for and acknowledge the positive effects that have occurred as a result of the change initiative.
Then, let people know about it. Remind people what they have accomplished so far. Thank them for their efforts. Reinforce the progress to date by recognizing and communicating success when it happens.
How might you recognize success?
Read more of the 99 Ways to Influence Change.