Toast the New Year: Start the Year Right

A great way to start your team’s year off right is with a little toast from the highest level manager in your area that wants to participate. For my team, we get the CTO to come over. Attendance is optional, and it’s BYOC (bring your own cup). The CTO does make a personal phone call to his other senior leaders if they don’t show up, so there’s a little pressure there.

We share a taste of sparkling grape juice with everyone who shows up, and we keep a few extra cups on hand so there’s no excuse from anyone to not participate if they want to.

What’s said isn’t as important as the fact we’re getting together and smiling at each other, knowing how much we count on each other for success. Some have asked what makes a good toast from a manager, I thought I’d share what the parts of the speech were, and what my CTO said. Feel free to adapt it for your team.

Look back – talk about challenges we overcame

• Thank you for your contribution. We had a tough year and overcame some obstacles. We opened many new offices, had a lot of new business, and much was unplanned. We pulled through because of our team.

Look ahead – here’s to the new challenges ahead

• We have a massive technology refresh we are doing this year, and many other big projects to complete.

Speak from the heart about your wishes for your team

• Here’s to teamwork
• Here’s to health
• Here’s to you.
• So raise your glass.
• Here’s to a GREAT year in 2009!

It’s a simple gesture that took 5 minutes, and it sets the tone for our year. Folks look back at this throughout the year as something fun our team does.

Here’s my keys for success:

It’s from the heart of our CTO – He’s established trust over the years, so we know this is true.

Personal – He looks into each of our eyes to connect with us where we are.

How can you connect with your team to set the tone for your year?

Celebratory toast courtesy of Dan4th