We’ve worked on that project for, what, three years now? And it’s finally done, and looks great! Not perfect, but pretty darned good.

It’s important to embrace the achievement. Especially if you’re the leader and realize that the next hill to climb will be even tougher.

You might want to do your “project debrief” before people lose focus, or even start talking about the next goal. But you’ve missed the critical step:

Celebrate. Go out for lunch. Have a party. Take the day off.

It’s shocking how much people remember this, and how motivating it is.

It’s because we all want to experience that sense of accomplishment AGAIN. Sure, it’s nice to relax just a little right now, but in three months … your people are nose-to-the-grindstone on the next thing and need the positive memories to stay motivated.

It’s also about showing your appreciation as the leader. If this whole thing really was as important as you’ve been telling us for the last year, why don’t you show just a little emotion? Sure, you said it was awesome, you said “thank you,” but … words are fleeting.

Show us how important it was! Put some skin in the game! Mean it!

Let us enjoy this moment, and remember it.