Celebrations infuse life with passion and purpose. They summon the human
spirit, reattach us to our roots, and help us soar toward new visions.
Celebrations touch our hearts and fire our imaginations, bonding people
together and connecting us to shared myths and values. Corporate
Celebration shows how the ceremony and ritual of celebration can be
brought to the workplace to restore company spirit, reinvigorate
employee morale, build commitment and loyalty, improve quality and
financial performance, and instill work with meaning and joy. This
practical guide provides advice on the what, why, and how of corporate
celebration.
The authors first distill what we know about the role that ritual and
ceremony play in human organizations, then offer examples from multiple
sectors and companies. They show how ceremonies can be used to build
relationships, relieve tension, level the hierarchy, create excitement,
transform losses into gains, and provide access to life's deeper
lessons. In the second part, they examine a wide variety of situations
where ritual and ceremony play a vital role-including recognition,
triumphs, tragedies, transitions, product launches, and community
outreach efforts. They detail the psychological benefits of seven types
of celebrations: cyclical celebrations, recognition ceremonies,
celebrations of triumph, rituals of comfort and letting go, succession
rites, altruistic celebration, and play.
In the third part, they observe the makings, motions, and roles of key
players, drawing practical wisdom from executives, managers, and
employees who have participated in successful corporate rituals and
celebrations. Acknowledging the potential downside of contrived or
meaningless symbolic activity, they show how intended perks can become
actual perils. Finally, they provide clear guidelines for the design of
meaningful, top-flight celebrations, which arise from shared vision and
values, recognize individuals as heroes and heroines, and authentically
reflect the corporate spirit.
In a time when many organizations are suffering from eroded cultural
values due to restructuring, reengineering, and downsizing, Corporate
Celebration offers a refreshing approach to creating community in the
workplace and revitalizing business
