In a recent 10 day span I attended 4 graduations. 

From a 3-hour marathon, to a crisp 60-minute sprint, I saw four people I love graduate from four different schools with one common denominator: everything.

I’m sure this is going to sound a little cynical and act as the perfect reminder that I am aging rapidly, but when you hear half a dozen speakers say the same thing with the complete conviction that they are doing it in the most original way… 

But it’s okay because these ceremonies aren’t supposed to be original. 

They are rites of passage.

They are comforting reminders that hard work should be celebrated and that we need to remind one another about our hopes for the future.

There is a time and place for originality. A time and place for putting away the old way and doing something different. A time to be the enemy of the status quo and chart a new path.
But there is also a time and place for tradition and shared history. A time and place for wearing the uniform and reveling in unity. A time to remind one another that many have gone before and many will come after.

As a leader it can be irresistible to focus exclusively on what’s next, but don’t forget that everyone needs to celebrate their victories and be united by shared experience from time to time.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION: What is one way you can leverage tradition (or at least repetition) to help unify your people this week?

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