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Don\u2019t do this alone. Others on your team will benefit from this vital process, too. Invite board members, staff members, or volunteers to an informal gathering\u2014better yet invite them all. A cross section of stakeholders always produces a wider scope of ideas and builds a more cohesive team. Create a welcoming atmosphere by serving a beverage and snacks\u2014and maybe play a little upbeat background music. Start by asking each person to describe what draws him or her to the organization\u2019s mission\u2014a powerful way of helping team members get in touch with their deep commitment to your work.<\/p>\n
Ask everyone to brainstorm a list of all the organization\u2019s accomplishments over the past year\u2014big ones and little ones. Remember the main rule of brainstorming: there are no bad ideas. Let occasional silence encourage timid ones to speak up. You may be surprised at the long list you create. Now make a list of any lessons learned\u2014what would you have done differently. What has this past year taught you? No doubt the challenges of the pandemic taught you a lot about creativity and possibilities. Celebrate all the ways you have pivoted during this last year.<\/p>\n
Now it\u2019s time to celebrate your successes. Don\u2019t forget that lessons learned are successes, too. Make your official \u201ccelebration list.\u201d Assign a theme for the past year and choose something to represent the theme. One organization proclaimed it their year of \u201cbuilding our foundation\u201d because they finished reviewing and revising all their governing documents, refurbishing their board membership, and restructuring their committees. They gave each person a small ceramic brick to symbolize their theme and to remind everyone to celebrate their accomplishments. Review this celebration list at the next staff meeting and at the next board meeting. Watch as it reenergizes everyone.<\/p>\n