Celebrations and Memories

This week, baseball teams across the land celebrated their advancement to the post season. First the Yankees, then the Cardinals, Red Sox, Angels and Phillies. We wait only for the Dodgers to win one game and the Twins and Tigers battle in the American League Central Division. Some wonder why teams celebrate getting into the playoffs. After all, it's on the first step. They know how difficult it is to win the ultimate prize, the World Series. After a season lasting six months, all teams understand the difficulties of staying healthy, performing at the highest level, and avoiding numerous pitfalls. Some known and others not fathomable.

Earlier this week, an especially poignant celebration occurred in Anaheim, California. You may remember a pitcher named Nick Adenhart. He was 23 and had earned on spot as the number three starter in the Angels rotation. In his first start, he pitched six strong innings in a game on April 8th. It was to be his last. As he and some friends were coming home from dinner they were hit by an alleged drunk driver. Adenhart died soon after from his injuries. It was a terrible loss that is still being felt by the Angels and their community. Fast forward to Monday night when the Angels clinched the American League Western Division crown. As the Angels celebrated on the field they paused then went out to celebrate in front of the Adenhart memorial in the outfield.


It is vitally important to celebrate the achievement of goals. While spraying champagne and beer over each other in your organization may not be appropriate-taking the time to mark and enjoy the achievement of milestones is. One thing that organizations universally lack is making time to savor the "win." These can last minutes or they can be done in the way of a retreat or trip. I once worked for a general manager that would have a party when the plug had been pulled on a research and development project. It was important to recognize the effort, even if the priority had shifted or the technology couldn't be developed. This did wonders for morale and told those involved that their efforts were appreciated. Don't be afraid to "pop the cork" or have a piece of cake as you achieve your goals and move your organization forward.