Pop the Champagne: Why Great Leaders Celebrate the Wins

If last week we talked about how we respond to failure, this week is about recognising success — and why both matter in building a high-performance team.

In real estate, it’s easy to move straight from one target to the next. You win a listing, secure a new property management portfolio or hit your quarterly numbers, and before you’ve had a chance to acknowledge it, everyone is asking, “What’s next?”

But here’s the thing. If you only focus on what’s ahead, you miss the opportunity to recognise what your team has already achieved.

Celebration isn't a distraction from performance. It's part of building it.

Set Goals That Stretch, Not Break

As leader, you need to set goals that challenge your team to step up. But there's a difference between a stretch goal and an impossible one.

A stretch goal pushes people beyond what's comfortable while still giving them something they believe they can achieve. It creates energy, focus and a reason to work together.

An impossible goal does the opposite. When your team believe the target is out of reach, motivation quickly disappears.

The sweet spot is a goal that makes your team stretch, work smarter and lift their game — while still believing the win is possible.

And when they get there? Celebrate it.

Make Celebration a Ritual

A great way to build momentum is through 90-day races. Give your team a clear target, a defined timeframe and something meaningful to work towards.

Then, when the goal is achieved, make a point of celebrating it.

It could be popping the champagne on a Friday afternoon, taking the team out for lunch or simply bringing everyone together to acknowledge the effort and results.

The size of the celebration isn't the point. What matters is that people feel their contribution has been recognised.

These moments become part of your team's story. They reinforce what's possible when everyone pulls in the same direction and give people something to look forward to in the next race.

Balance Accountability with Recognition

Last week, we looked at failure and the importance of taking ownership rather than slipping into blame, excuses or denial.

The same principle applies here. High-performance teams need accountability when things don't go to plan, but they also need recognition when they get things right.

If all your team hears about is what's missing, what needs fixing and what's next, don't be surprised if the energy starts to disappear.

As a leader, make it part of your rhythm to recognise progress, acknowledge effort and celebrate the wins.

Because what you recognise helps shape what your team repeats.

So, take a look at your next 90-day race. Is the target clear? Is it achievable with a stretch? And have you decided how you'll celebrate when the team gets there?

Don't just set the next target. Give your team a reason to enjoy the journey — and celebrate the wins along the way.