Pondering what to post today brought me back to my Thanksgiving post I did in 2008.  That was a very tough year and the post I did was both professional and personal.  After reading it and thinking about what to say today, the day before Thanksgiving 2011 – I really didn’t think I could add anything to that post.

The point of that post was that the time a family spends together at Thanksgiving is used to reinforce the values that define the family.  At least in my family it was.  

And your company needs a similar exercise.

Pop out to the post for the full read.  Below is the money excerpt…

Thanksgiving was always the opportunity for each attendee to connect and relive memories and stories that informed and defined the values they held individually, and as a family, shared.  As the stories are told, the adults get to relive the “glory days” and the children hear and experience examples of what it means to be part of THAT family. We learn from stories – they stick with you and they create the threads that are used to weave together the personal tapestry of culture and values that is your family.  It is important for people to remind themselves of those stories – and pass them on to the next generation for them to embellish, and use as raw material as they create their own, new stories.

While I don’t think we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving the same way we have in the past – we still have a lot to be thankful for.  And that is important.  We will still tell the stories.

Your Company Needs To Share Its Stories

So what does this have to do with your company?  I think you’re seeing where I’m taking this.

How do you pass on the values and driving principles that make up your company?  When do you celebrate Thanksgiving at your company?  When do you sit around and say…”remember when so-and-so did…” and everyone gets why that story defined them and defined the family?

Whether in good times or in bad, you need a company Thanksgiving.   You need a celebration, either at a corporate or at a division/group level, where you share the stories that define your business.

I urge you as a leader in your company to find a day that has meaning to your company and celebrate Thanksgiving.  And I mean celebrate “Thanksgiving.”  Rent a hall, serve turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce from the can – where you can see the rings – and pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie… all the fixin’s.  Do it right.

And tell stories… relive the moments that got you here – and will get you there.  Pass on to the new employees the things that they need to internalize to be part of the family.  Reinforce the good and downplay the bad.  Remember those that have retired or moved on – and their contribution.

What are your company stories?  What is your company’s Thanksgiving celebration?  

No answer – then start one!