Let’s Celebrate!

Feeling cynical about Stampede?  Can’t enjoy kitsch?  Wish everyone would just go away? 

Celebrations are what we make of them, on a personal basis and in the workplace.  Lives without celebrations are deprived of a sense of community. 

As leaders, we need to find a sincere source of joy – or at least enjoyment – from group events.  Our influence can make or break the results of group efforts.  Indulging in cynicism may be amusing for a time; however, it sends a devastating message to our staff, particularly new employees.  They may see our black humour as real disbelief in corporate values.

Unfortunately, a cynical attitude creeps into all sorts of cracks and grows like mould.  Denigrating the Stampede or the United Way or corporate recognition can infect staff when they attend other critical events, such as planning sessions or project brainstorming.  Undermining ideas and processes is much easier than creating essential new ways of attracting business or serving customers.  Without intention, snarky vocabulary can inadvertently pop out in sensitive situations, such as responding to customer complaints or making presentations to senior management.

Dropping cynicism at work may even make us more positive in our personal lives.  Being cheerful all the time is not the goal, but joining in the happy opportunities of our community is a lot more fun than being a grump at home.