The holiday season is upon us! I don’t think I’ve stopped eating since Thanksgiving, and if you are like me, that is normal for this time of year. This is also the time of year when the days and weeks fly by us as we become busy with holiday shopping and gatherings. No matter how busy we are, this is the perfect time to reflect on the year, to show gratitude to those around you, and to celebrate your relationships and accomplishments.

Reflection can inspire growth and change. Before you look ahead to next year and start setting goals for 2024, take the time to reflect on this past year. Think about all of your successes and your failures as these are experiences that shape who you are. During this time of year, life can be very busy however, taking the time to reflect on yourself and your work will help facilitate change and make us better employers and employees.

We all have much to be thankful for, especially this profession. The tile industry has provided us all with a means to support ourselves and our families. We have created friendships – and lifelong friends through our work – that have shaped who we are. We should all be grateful for our clients who have put their trust in us to install tile for them. As an employer, I am grateful for the partnership that I have with my employees as together we are a team, which plays an important part of performing our service. The relationships that have been built with those I work with are some of the most important relationships I have and I am grateful for all of them.

As you look back on your year and reflect on all of you achievements, it is also the perfect time to gather your team together and celebrate your successes. Celebrations with your team will build bonds, increase motivation, boost confidence, and most importantly show your appreciation for your team. This leads to happier employees, will improve retention, and will ultimately build your company’s brand to attract top talent. Celebrations with your team can be as simple as award recognitions, lunch potlucks, holiday dinners, and a toast after work. The different ways to celebrate are endless; the important thing is taking meaningful time to celebrate your team.

Reflection, gratitude, and celebration are not just for those you work with. These are important things to do with the people who mean the most to you. Our personal relationships with family and friends are the biggest blessings in life. Being able to recognize the importance of these relationships and showing gratitude for them will make these relationships stronger. Celebrating the year with your friends and family is what the holiday season is all about. Make this time meaningful with those you love most. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Best to your success, Sam Bruce President, NTCA