"Celebrate what you want to see more of."
This straightforward quote is from Tom Peters, the renowned American business thinker, writer and speaker whose work had a profound impact on modern leadership practice. He is best known for co-authoring the groundbreaking management book In Search of Excellence (1982) with Robert H. Waterman Jr.
Peters championed a people-first approach when efficiency and control dominated corporate thinking. His philosophy centres on the belief that success stems not from strategy alone, but from a deep commitment to people - both employees and customers. His words crystallise something fundamental about leadership and organisational culture: our attention and recognition shape behaviour more profoundly than policies or procedures ever can.
What strikes me most about this quote is its elegant simplicity. Rather than complex frameworks or elaborate systems, Peters reminds us that transformation often begins with what we choose to spotlight, recognise, and amplify.
What are you celebrating in your organisation? And what might change if you deliberately shifted your focus?