Why Starting Meetings with Wins is Critical to Building a Positive Team Culture

In today’s high-speed, high-stakes work environment, team meetings often feel more like task lists than opportunities for connection. But what if one intentional adjustment could shift the entire tone – and effectiveness- of your meetings?

At Mavacy, we’ve seen firsthand the cultural shift that happens when meetings begin with team members sharing a recent personal or professional win. While it may sound simple, this practice is backed by compelling psychological research and organizational strategy. It fosters not only a more engaged and motivated team but also a resilient, growth-oriented workplace culture.

The Psychology Behind Sharing Wins

1. Boosting Positivity and Motivation
According to Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of positive psychology, actively focusing on success triggers a dopamine release in the brain, improving mood and motivation (Seligman, 2011). When team members reflect on achievements, no matter how big or small, it shifts the mindset from reactive to proactive. This builds momentum and enhances engagement, creating a ripple effect throughout the organization.

2. Reinforcing a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset, a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is crucial for professional development and innovation. Celebrating wins emphasizes effort, learning, and progress, not just results. As employees hear about their colleagues’ successes, they adopt new techniques, stay open to feedback, and feel encouraged to tackle challenges creatively (Dweck, 2006).

3. Strengthening Team Cohesion
Regularly sharing wins humanizes your team. It builds empathy, understanding, and shared appreciation of one another’s contributions. This practice breaks down silos and fosters psychological safety, an essential element in high-performing teams, as identified in Google’s Project Aristotle research.

4. Building Resilience and Confidence
When things get tough, reflecting on past wins creates a sense of confidence and forward motion. According to Harvard Business Review, teams that recall positive progress are more resilient, solution-focused, and collaborative during setbacks (HBR, 2011).

How to Implement This Practice in Your Organization

1. Lead by Example
Leadership must go first. When leaders regularly share their own wins, along with the vulnerability and lessons that come with them, it signals that recognition and positivity are valued.

2. Add It to Your Agenda
Make “sharing wins” a non-negotiable item at the start of every meeting. Consistency is key. Even just 5 minutes can reframe the energy of an entire discussion.

3. Encourage All Types of Wins
Celebrate both personal and professional accomplishments. Whether someone launched a successful client project or completed a marathon, each win contributes to a culture of shared humanity and connection.

4. Foster Psychological Safety
Ensure the environment is supportive, not competitive. Everyone’s contribution matters, and recognizing the diversity of wins keeps participation inclusive and meaningful.

5. Monitor and Reflect
Check in with your team. Ask for feedback on how this practice is affecting their engagement. Over time, the benefits will become visible in morale, communication, and outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Creating a high-performing team isn’t just about KPIs or project management – it’s about cultivating a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated. Starting meetings with wins is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to do just that.

At Mavacy, we’ve embraced this as part of our leadership philosophy because when people celebrate progress, they’re empowered to pursue purpose