Defining Moments

Is your team lacking momentum or connection? Try making and marking defining moments. Defining moments can be left to chance, but Chip and Dan Heath think they can be created.

In their incredible book “The Power of Moments: Why Certain Moments Have Extraordinary Impact” Chip and Dan Heath say a defining moment is “a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful.” 

Imagine all the employees of a company welcoming a new employee on their first day, or staff being empowered to give away free items to unsuspecting customers. Those are just a few examples of what powerful moments can look like. 

Did someone new just join your team? Find a unique way to point out their presence. Was a collective goal just met? Get the whole team to join in celebrating. Did someone step above and beyond the call of duty? Surprise them to show what they did matters. 

Defining moments get seared into our memory, touch our emotions, and inspire us towards the future. You know you have created a defining moment when people pull out their cameras. 

The Heath’s say: “Transitions should be marked, milestones commemorated, and pits filled. That’s the essence of thinking in moments.” Moments are built around meaning, breaking the script, and they don’t just happen. You plan them. As you do, you’ll find your team growing in momentum and connection. 

Have you ever experienced the power of a defining moment? What was it? Let us know in the comments below.