We’ve asked some bloggers and friends to share their favorite ways of celebrating team wins.  Below is a compilation of suggestions from clinical and research teams to serve as inspiration for celebrations in your group.

Step 1 – Recognize the accomplishments.

• passing qualifying exam
• thesis defense
• postdoc departure
• new hires
• first-author paper
• paper accepted
• grant awarded

Step 2 – Pause. Bask in the moment. An important step easily overlooked.

Step 3 – Shine some light and celebrate however possible.

• personal note in a book that is relevant to the lab/team
• personalized memento (e.g., belt buckle, photo/frame)
• a perpetual trophy that is passed from first-author to first-author
• champagne toast – bottle signed by honoree(s) and kept in office/lab
• champagne toast – honoree pops the cork and cork is glued wherever it hits the ceiling (cork is labeled with occasion and date)
• pizza party organized by honoree(s)
• “decorate to destruction” the desk of honoree(s) (e.g., glitter, silly string)
• food, lots of food – meals out, treats brought in
• boating trip
• Slack #feelgood channel to post highlights and congrats
• local-themed care packages for new hires
• lab swag (e.g., stickers, masks, socks, mugs, hats, swords)
• arcade team challenge
• paying it forward – extended lunch to shop for adopt-a-family programs
• gift cards
  

End of Year Celebrations

Boat trip
Arcade team challenge
Field day with traditional games (egg and spoon race, three legged race)
Escape room

Do you have a favorite tradition to add to this list?  Share in the comments to help spread the good vibes.

More Resources

Celebrating “The Climb”
Small Wins for Sustained Success: The Progress Principle
Microaffirmations

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