This past weekend my family gathered to celebrate my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. It is quite an accomplishment! We shared stories, looked at telegrams they received on their big day and read handwritten letters welcoming my mom to dad’s family.
We videotaped my parents telling their histories, memories, and experiences. My sisters and I also joined in the conversation, reminiscing about our lives together. The interviewer asked us what it means to be part of our family. What a powerful question! I had thought about the importance of values and how parents shape children. I had never before put words to articulate an answer to this inquiry.
A lot of our weekend focused on our team called family. Several concepts can be applied to our teams at work.
- What occasions do you celebrate and how often? Do you take time to acknowledge milestones or completion of projects? If so, how? If not, what can you do to begin?
- What does your team value? What is the culture that you’re creating? What is it like to be on your team?
- What stories stand out? Who is the collective memory for your organization? What ghosts still exist that impact how people show up today?
These are all important considerations as your organization strives to generate cohesiveness and ensure a dynamic legacy.
May your organization celebrate at least another 60 years!