Scuba divers learn not to ascend too fast without properly decompressing or they will experience a condition known as the bends. As divers go further down, the pressure on their lungs increases. They decompress by coming up to the surface slowly so their body can adjust. Otherwise, the bends can cause severe pain, organ damage, or even death.

It’s a metaphor for the problem leaders face. They are under increasing pressure as they move from one complex challenge to the next. Just like scuba divers, the pressure builds if they don’t take the time to decompress. The best way for leaders to decompress is to slow down and acknowledge their accomplishments.

Celebrate what you want to see more of.

Tom Peters

In the HBR article, Celebrate to Win, Whitney Johnson says, ‘Celebrating achievements great and small is high octane fuel for further achievement. We don’t just celebrate the win; we celebrate to win.’

If leaders don’t take the time to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments before moving on to the next big thing, they are at risk of burning out. They may also find it difficult to set realistic goals for the future when they lose perspective and don’t take the time to reflect on their wins. Worse still, if leaders don’t acknowledge their own accomplishments, they will be less likely to recognise their team’s hard work and progress.

By taking the time to appreciate their achievements, leaders can cultivate a sense of fulfilment and reduce the pressure on themselves.

🙋 How do you decompress and maintain your sense of fulfilment? 🙋‍♀️

Best regards, Brian