STS – Celebrations

Sometimes, when someone wins, the room gets quiet. Not because there’s nothing to say… But because someone else didn’t win.

And in that moment, everyone starts looking around like, “Are we allowed to cheer right now?”

YES. We are. And I’ll go first. Because when celebration feels risky, leadership should clap loudest.

I’ll clap so loud, the person being honored doesn’t even notice who isn’t. I’ll clap because their win is worth it, even if it’s not mine this time. I’ll clap because this culture needs it—and I won’t let silence send the wrong message.

Not Celebrating Isn’t Kindness—It’s Enabling

Let’s be real: Not celebrating isn’t kindness—it’s enabling. You’re not doing your peer any good by dumbing down the wins of others. That doesn’t soothe their pain. It just shrinks the room for everyone.

What If Their Win Is Your Evidence?

Here’s the real kicker: When you see someone else win, you’re not watching what you missed— You’re witnessing what’s possible.

Their win isn’t your rejection. It’s your evidence.

It means the system works. It means the opportunity is real. Winning is not just possible, but probably. It means the next round could/should have your name on it.

And here’s the part we don’t talk about enough:

You had a front row seat. 

You saw what she did consisently.

You watched her show up when she didn’t feel like it. 

You saw her send messages when you scrolled. 

You saw her stay focused when others drifted.

So instead of folding your arms, get curious.

Ask yourself:

What did she do that I maybe didn’t? What can I cross-reference from what I saw her do with what I skipped? Then ask the real questions—the ones that sting a little but heal a lot:

Did she engage faster? Was she bolder in her proclamations? Did she make more calls or send more messages? Was she braver – more often—especially when it was awkward? Is her contact list longer? Has she built more relationships than me over time? Has she simply been doing this longer? Did she refuse to give up when I was tempted to sit it out? Did she power through devastation while I paused? Is her ‘why’ or motivation stronger?

Behind every win is a story. And behind every story is a series of decisions.

Her outcome isn’t lucky. It’s layered. And, it isn’t about you. At all. 

But, if you’re brave enough to study it—and not envy it—you might just find the blueprint for YOUR next win.

That’s Not Just a Mic Drop—That’s Leadership.

“I’ll clap loud enough so you don’t notice who isn’t.”

That’s not just a mic drop. That’s a leadership anointing.

It means you’re not just making a statement—you’re taking responsibility.

You’re stepping into the sacred role of protecting joy in the room. You’re saying:

I protect the room, even when I’m not the center of it. I know who I am—and I’m not threatened by someone else’s win. I will always be a safe place for brilliance to shine. That is who I am. And that is who I’m raising up in this space.

Leadership Means Asking Yourself First

Because here’s the truth:

Leadership means you ask yourself the tough questions before you ever ask your peers to sit still or quiet.

You don’t shrink the room so you can feel more comfortable. You expand your capacity so everyone has space to shine. You reflect before you deflect. You take responsibility before you make a request.

That’s what grown-up leadership looks like.

Your Team Is Watching—Always

You think your team isn’t watching you not celebrate your peer’s win?

Oh, they’re watching.

They’re watching when you scroll past the post. When you do not ‘like’ or put a ‘congratulations’ that you should. When your camera’s off during recognition. When you time your potty run during keynote. When your silence says more than a standing ovation ever could.

And you know what they’re wondering?

“If she won’t celebrate her peer, what’s she gonna do when I win?”

Because if you only clap when the spotlight’s on you? That’s not leadership. That’s performance.

Culture is contagious. And silence? It spreads like wildfire.

Tough Talk Truth of the Week

The most emotionally secure leaders cheer loudest—even when they’re quietly healing.

This time, be that person. Clap anyway. Even if it stings. Even if it’s messy. Even if you’re still waiting on your win.

Because real leaders? They don’t just show up to celebrate themselves. They show up to create a room worth celebrating in.

Journal Prompts for Reflection

When was the last time I clapped for someone else’s win without hesitation? What did I see someone do recently that I could choose to learn from instead of feel threatened by? Where have I been silent out of self-protection instead of leadership?