#188 the rhythm of traditions

Today is St. Nicholas' feast day.  When I was a kid, we set a pair of shoes out on the steps and then "magically" St. Nick came to fill them with tangerines and mixed nuts in their shells.  It was a tradition that officially started the holiday season at our house.

The holidays are full of traditions, each as individual as the family who hosts them.  They act as a type of pillar that delineates the passing of the year and anchors us to the past with a sense of comfort.  When every year we do this it gives a sense of simultaneous stability and anticipation.

Families aren't the only ones who can create traditions and pillar events.  Organizations can start, foster and renew pillar events for their groups and employees.  There is so much new in organizational life, that having an annual holiday tradition or events that occur during the year provide a rhythm for those who work there.  Could you be counted on to bring in sandwiches for an impromptu picnic on the first warm spring day?  Buy ice cream the first time the temperature hits 90?  Have an annual office pool for when the first inch of snow will fly?  Wear those gosh-awful holiday sweaters for an annual photo (and post a gallery to show how staff change over the years)?  Celebrate your founder's birthday?  Recognize National Take-Your-Dog-to-Work Day (June 21)?  The list is endless.

Don't let your work and routine revolve around externally imposed deadlines. Add some traditional pillars to keep the morale energy flowing and to create momentum of your own.

-- beth triplett
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