How often do you remember to shine a light on your achievements?
Cambridge University didn’t miss that opportunity. The university has been around for 800 years. Just existing for that long is quite a feat.
This weekend, they staged a public light show, projected onto the side of Senate House in the city centre. The theme: the university’s achievements over the past 80 decades.
What struck me as I watched, was the sense of pride radiating from all those who had come into town on a cold winter night to see this display. Despite the fact that most people hadn’t personally been responsible for any of the accolades, everyone felt a sense of pride – just in being part of what makes Cambridge city: the home of the university.
There’s a feeling of wonder in the thought that in this place, the work people did has changed the world in so many ways. So much good stuff has been invented, developed and studied.
It’s often hard to justify shining a light on our achievements when we run smaller organisations with less illustrious history than we see in these university images. We fear that our achievements are not significant enough. Nonsense! In fact, they deserve just as much attention for the fact that you’ve done it with less resource, fewer people and had to apply more plain gumption to make it happen.
Shining a light on achievements in whatever way works for you is an acknowledgement of the contribution of staff and associates. It’s also and opportunity for you to step back and reflect on your successes. Clients feel proud of their association with your company. Where’s the down side?
We use this approach when we’re advising people on how best to use 360-degree feedback – Focus on the positives first. In the case of 360-degree feedback, find the strengths in the report and celebrate them.
The only caveat to this is that if you only look at the positives, you could be missing some opportunities for development. Complacency is dangerous.
Encourage your client to look for strength to build on. And take a bit of that advice yourself. Shine a light on your successes too.
Here are a few more images from the light show:
How about starting by listing your successes and letting us know about them?
Article by Vandy Massey
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