Is the win in the eye of the beholder?
The question arose when I was preparing for the New Zealand Business Women’s Network (NZBWN) start up call. First on the agenda (it is not a strict agenda, but this is always included) – “Who is celebrating success today …. Why don’t you start Julie”.
Actual thought: I. Don’t. Know.
Actual response to question: Well, I have kept going this week … and (insert any small achievement).
Group response: That is amazing. We remember when ….
It struck me that while I may just see the step in front of me, the others saw a wider perspective of how far I had come.
This was also noticed when I spoke to several MBA graduates who had just had their graduation ceremony – a year after they had qualified. In a networking call one person responded to a question – what have you been up to, by stating “Oh I just graduated with my MBA”. Hang on a minute – your ceremony was last month? “Yes – but I finished a year ago.”
Group response: That is amazing. What a great achievement. Well done.
It is not just recognising the qualification but the time, effort and sometimes the sacrifices it took to achieve it. Stopping for a second to notice and celebrate can be motivational to everyone, regardless of the perceived size of the win.
I will take this insight and continue to write like no-one is reading (instead of dance like no-one is watching).