Do you remember the last time you took a holiday? I’m sure like most people the build up had you eagerly anticipating the trip, and despite the stress of packing and preparation, you felt pretty happy in the lead up?

That anticipation is a powerful force that can be harnessed to improve your team's motivation and overall morale.

So, what are anticipatory events? Simply put, these are events or activities planned in advance that your team can look forward to. They might be team-building exercises, offsite retreats, or even just a casual Friday lunch. Regardless of the activity, what matters is the excitement and anticipation leading up to the event.

Why are anticipatory events so important for team morale? Studies have shown that looking forward to positive experiences can provide a significant boost to our happiness and well-being. In fact, the act of anticipating a positive event can be even more pleasurable than the event itself! The reason behind this is that our brains are wired to get a hit of dopamine when we think about an upcoming reward. This feeling of anticipation can provide a great deal of motivation and energy to help us push through challenging tasks and periods of stress.

When it comes to the workplace, research has demonstrated that teams with high morale are more productive, more innovative, and better at problem-solving. They also have lower rates of absenteeism and turnover. In other words, fostering team morale is not just about creating a fun work environment; it's about enhancing the overall performance and well-being of your team.

Here are some practical ways to incorporate anticipatory events into your team's routine.

1. Plan regular team-building events: Set aside time for your team to bond and have fun together. This could be a quarterly offsite retreat, a monthly game night, or a weekly lunch together. The key is to make it consistent and something the team can look forward to.

2. Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge team achievements and celebrate them in a meaningful way. This could be as simple as sharing a success story in a team meeting or as elaborate as throwing a party to celebrate a major project completion.

3. Encourage team members to share personal events: Create a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing personal milestones and events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. Celebrate these moments together to build connections and create a sense of belonging.

4. Create anticipation: Once you've planned an event, don't keep it a secret! Share the details with your team and encourage them to talk about it. The more you hype it up, the more excitement you'll generate.

5. Keep it fresh: Change things up and try new activities to keep your team engaged and excited about upcoming events. Don't be afraid to ask for suggestions and input from your team members.

Leaders who invest in anticipatory events can significantly boost their team's morale and performance. By creating a sense of excitement and positive anticipation, you'll foster a happier, more engaged, and more productive team.