In school leadership it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of big wins: exam results, university acceptances or the successful launch of a new school initiative.
These moments, of course, deserve recognition. In reality, though, it’s the smaller, day-in, day-out successes that can truly cultivate a culture of positivity and wellbeing within your team.
Recognising and celebrating these smaller achievements has a far-reaching impact and reinforces a sense of community and motivation.
Celebrating the small wins in schools
But in the busy day-to-day lives of leaders, it can be easy for these little wins to be overlooked: a colleague managing a difficult task with skill, a team member who puts in extra effort to ensure an event runs smoothly or someone stepping in to cover a meeting last-minute.
These wins may not make headlines, but they are the backbone of a positive school culture. By celebrating them, you’re showing your team that their efforts matter, regardless of scale.
Acknowledging these smaller successes is vital for two key reasons.
First, it boosts morale and fosters a sense of appreciation that extends beyond formal accolades. When a team member feels valued, even for the less “flashy” tasks, they’re more likely to remain engaged and motivated-- and it reaffirms the importance of such practices and actions.
Secondly, when leaders make it a habit to notice and celebrate small wins, they set the tone for the whole team. It becomes a shared value: a culture where people are not only motivated by grand achievements but also by the knowledge that their day-to-day efforts are recognised and valued.
This creates a ripple effect as teams and individuals appreciate that their time, effort and collaboration is acknowledged - leading to an ongoing willingness to help one another and creating a culture where recognising that becomes second nature.
Celebrating small successes also helps in maintaining emotional balance.
Teachers and staff face daily challenges that can feel overwhelming. Being recognised for these challenges - whether it’s finding innovative solutions, handling difficult situations with grace or taking the initiative without hesitation - keeps morale high and builds resilience.
The more we make it a habit to appreciate these moments, the stronger our team’s sense of belonging and collective purpose will become.
Simple gestures go a long way
So, how can you best celebrate these moments? It doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming.
A quick, personal email can brighten someone’s day. A handwritten note left in a pigeonhole or a brief visit to someone’s classroom before school can be just as impactful.
Whatever you do, it is about providing a simple gesture that goes a long way in making someone feel seen and valued. These gestures remind your team that appreciation isn’t reserved for major achievements but extends to the everyday wins that contribute to the school’s success.
If this isn’t something embedded in your school yet, then perhaps now, as the long autumn term draws towards a close, is the perfect time to start doing it and then carrying it on throughout 2025.
By celebrating these moments, leaders create an environment where positivity and motivation are contagious, inspiring everyone to continue putting in their best effort and making someone’s day brighter, boosting their confidence and supporting their wellbeing.
Ian Watts is assistant head of secondary (student wellbeing and community) at The International School @ ParkCity in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For key school and trust leadership insights delivered every month, sign up for the Tes Leaders’ Briefing newsletter
