We talk about about building a culture. We also listen to a lot of Gary Vee, who is the king of building a great company culture. He can be a little brash, but his business sense and foresight is unmatched. When he talks about culture – he’s spot on.
One really easy and tangible way to begin building a great culture within your staff is to celebrate everything. Vee speaks about building company culture specifically, but that can easily be applied to your publications staff.
When your staff is focused on finding ways to intentionally “fill each other’s cup,” they overflow with compassion toward one another. They are kind, thoughtful, and caring without even trying.
They know that Sarah has been struggling in math, and she has test on Thursday. They follow up to see how she did and celebrate with her when she worked hard for that B+.
They know that Juan’s going through a lot at home right now, so they can empathize when his spread didn’t get done on time. They celebrate when it does get done and find ways to compliment his efforts.
They know that Danielle has wanted to go to NYU her entire life – and she’s been a nervous wreck for weeks waiting to hear from admissions. When she gets in (!!!), the staff plans a surprise party to celebrate her at school the next day.
Celebrations can be simple or elaborate, but they’re super easy to find once you’re looking for them. Teaching your staff to always be on the lookout for meaningful reasons to celebrate can go such a long way in building a family-like culture.
Intentionally celebrate each other’s strengths at the beginning of the year to set the tone. 
Birthdays are a big deal! And so easy to celebrate. Here I am featured in my natural habitat chomping on a delicious donut. 
I mean sometimes you even gotta celebrate sleeping. Selfies are always a good idea. 
Definitely take big group pics after all workshops/conventions/camps. Being there and bonding is a WIN already, but bonus points if you come home with some hardware! 
Celebrate each issue of the newspaper coming out! 
Every year our school has a canned food drive and it’s during our Newspaper period. We do it BIG! The kids look forward to not only collecting the cans, helping out the community, and whoooooping the other classes – but also building this WICKED fort every year! 
Cake is CHEAP and it’s incredible how happy it can make a group of kids on a deadline. It’s an investment, truly. 
Yearbook distribution day celebration. 
First meeting of next year’s staff. 
Editor meeting celebrations. 
End of the year banquet celebrations. 
We celebrate each student’s individual passions, outside of yearbook. Here we are attending a soccer game as a staff. 
Seeing our book in the yearbook plant on display definitely calls for celebration!
