The Power of Surprise

I have watched Survivor since day one, which for those keeping track at home is nearly 23 years now.

I have been a Phoenix Suns fan since Charles Barkley rolled into town, which for those keeping track at home is more than 30 years now.

Sometimes, doing both just become routine. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of the storylines, and there is nothing that can surprise me anymore about either.

And then last week happened.

First, upon winning Survivor 43, contestant Mike Gabler – who is not wealthy – announced his plans to donate all of his $1 million prize to veterans in need in the name of his father, who was a green beret. As I picked up my jaw from the floor, he further turned to his fellow contestants and shared “we did it, guys,” inviting every single person he just outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted to be a part of the celebration for the cause. Given multiple contestants were directly connected to the military through family members, the tears flowed. It was an honest-to-goodness surprise, and it was breathtaking.

Second, Phoenix Suns and NBA All-Star Chris Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University last week as well. While professional athletes who departed college early to go pro only to earn their degrees later is nothing new, Paul went so far as to fly from Los Angeles to North Carolina after a game (they are in-season right now) to walk in his graduation ceremony. Beyond that, during the graduation Paul announced he would fund a bank account from Black-owned mobile banking platform Greenwood for each graduate that will have $2,500 in value. Another honest-to-goodness surprise, and another breathtaking moment.

All of the sudden, I feel refreshed about both franchises. I feel excited for what is next.

Moral of the story: never underestimate the power of a good surprise.

So, how can you infuse a little positive shock and awe within your organization as soon as this week?

• Consider bonus time off for your team.
• Make house calls with little treats for your team.
• Write personal notes of thanks to each member of your team with specific ways in which you are thankful for them and glad for their partnership.
• Turn the last staff meeting of the year into a lunch, happy hour or even surprise game show or trivia contest with prizes.
• Make a highlight reel of the work you’ve accomplished together this year.
• Give good-natured awards to team members based on something you respect, admire in them from work ethic to creativity to leadership to patience.
• Have some extra funds, if even just a small amount? Rather than gift cards, candles, or stocking stuffers, give a cash bonus. No one budgets for things like wrapping paper, cards, tape and gift boxes. Even a small bonus can take care of this expense.