Celebration Principle

The true test of relationships is not only how loyal we are when friends fail, but how thrilled we are when they succeed. Everyone identifies with failure. The problem is that because people so readily identify with failure, they sometimes have a hard time connecting with success. And if they don’t identify with success, they may resent it. Frequently the very same qualities that prevent people from achieving success — emotional insecurity, a scarcity mind-set, petty jealousy and the like — prevent them from celebrating others’ successes. They constantly compare themselves to others and find themselves wanting.

How do you learn to celebrate with others instead of ignoring or undermining them? Realize it’s not a competition. You must be willing to look at things from other people’s point of view. When they achieve something that is important to them, celebrate with enthusiasm. Celebrate successes others don’t yet see. Sometimes people make great strides and aren’t even aware of it.

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Soundview Executive Book Summaries John C. Maxwell "Winning with People"