Thanksgiving and the 'Next Big Thing'
Thanksgiving—a holiday that encourages us to reflect on the good in our lives. It’s a time to gather, enjoy great food, and express gratitude. But how often do we give this holiday more than a passing glance? Before we know it, we’re swept into the buzz of Black Friday, holiday lights, and the December rush. Thanksgiving becomes more like a quick thank-you wave to the person who lets you merge in traffic—acknowledged, but fleeting.
As I prepared for this year’s celebrations, I started thinking about how this same "check it off the list" mentality shows up in business. In our drive to accomplish the next big thing, projects are often given just enough recognition before they’re tucked away and replaced by the next priority. While this approach may seem productive, over time, it can have unintended consequences.
The Moving Finish Line
In my conversations with employees, I’ve heard a recurring sentiment: It feels like the finish line is always moving. For some, as soon as they cross it, they’re immediately thrown into a new race.
The reality is, projects take energy. Budgets, stakeholder collaboration, edits, deadlines, and deliverables all demand physical, intellectual, and emotional resources. It’s like draining a team’s battery. If we’re constantly plugging them back into the circuit without recharging, we risk burnout.
That’s why it’s essential to ask: What gives energy back to your team?
Resting in Success: A Practical Approach
One of the simplest ways to recharge your team is by incorporating After-Action Reviews (AARs) after each project. This structured time allows your team to pause, reflect, and celebrate their efforts before moving forward.
Here’s how an effective AAR can create value:
Reflect on Lessons Learned: Discuss what didn’t work and identify areas for improvement.
Celebrate What Worked: Acknowledge successes and highlight what contributed to positive outcomes.
Give Recognition: Use this time to genuinely praise individual and team contributions.
Understand Team Needs: Ask thoughtful questions to uncover challenges, resource gaps, or skill development opportunities for the future.
When leaders invest in this process, they cultivate a culture of gratefulness. While there may not be a “thankful tree,” these moments of listening and recognition help your team feel seen and appreciated.
Why Skipping Rest Leads to Burnout
What happens when we don’t pause to rest in success? The short answer: Burnout.
Burnout isn’t exclusive to overworked individuals—it’s a team-wide phenomenon. If you’ve ever sat at a meeting table and noticed silence, lack of eye contact, or disengagement, these are signs that your team may be running on empty.
On the other hand, when leaders take time to reflect with their teams, collaboration and creativity thrive. Recognizing accomplishments and gathering feedback equips your team with the clarity, consistency, and care needed to tackle what’s next.
Don’t Skip Thanksgiving—In Work or Life
In business, the next big thing is always waiting. That’s unavoidable. But just as we shouldn't breeze through Thanksgiving, we shouldn't rush past moments of completion in our work.
Start building time into your projects for After-Action Reviews, and you’ll notice a shift in your team’s energy and focus. A well-rested and recognized team isn’t just more productive—it’s more innovative, engaged, and prepared to lead.
This Thanksgiving season, remember to pause and rest—not just with family and friends but with your team. Your investment in reflection and recognition will have a lasting impact, and your team will thank you for it.
