Elevation: Creating Peak Experiences

Some moments rise above the routine. They make us feel engaged, joyful, surprised, and motivated. The Heath brothers argue that organizations often focus on fixing problems instead of creating peak experiences. Think about the last time you had a moment at work that made you smile, feel inspired, or even laugh unexpectedly. Those are elevated moments.

The Flight Attendant Who Turned Safety into a Stand-Up Show

On a routine Southwest Airlines flight, a flight attendant transformed the standard safety announcement into a comedy act. Instead of the usual monotone delivery, she cracked jokes, played with the script, and had passengers laughing.

That unexpected moment elevated the passenger experience—turning a mundane safety briefing into something memorable. It reinforced Southwest’s fun, customer-focused brand and reminded employees that small bursts of creativity can leave a lasting impact.

How might you create elevated moments at work?

A simple surprise, personal recognition, or making routine tasks more engaging can turn the ordinary into something special.

Pride: Recognizing Everyday Excellence

Pride comes from moments of achievement and courage. In a world where attention often goes to the loudest headlines, it’s easy to overlook those who consistently show up, do the work, and make something special happen. One of the simplest ways to create moments of pride - recognition. When you feel seen, heard, and valued, it amplifies thriving.

NASA’s Janitor and the Moon Landing

During a visit to NASA in the 1960s, President John F. Kennedy stopped to speak with a janitor carrying a broom. When Kennedy asked what he was doing, the janitor replied, “Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon.” That simple statement speaks volumes. The janitor understood that his work—keeping NASA’s facilities clean and running smoothly—was part of something bigger. His pride wasn’t just in the task but in the mission. And think about the impression having the President ask about your work!

How can you celebrate everyday excellence?

Acknowledge unsung heroes, highlight small wins, and create a culture of recognition where contributions, big and small, are valued.

Connection: Strengthening Community and Belonging

Defining moments aren’t just about individual experiences—they’re social. Think about your most memorable moments. Chances are, many of them were shared with others. These peak moments create bonds, strengthen teams, and build a sense of belonging.

Symbols of Connection: OH-IO and Buckeye Nation

As a lifelong Buckeye—employee, faculty member, student, and fan—I bleed scarlet and gray. The iconic OH-IO chant connects Buckeyes across the world.

Recently, I attended the College Football Playoff National Championship and celebrated a hard-fought Buckeyes victory. The win was even sweeter because of the adversity the coaches and team faced during the season. After the win, I saw a simple t-shirt that read, OH Yes We Did! That message wasn’t just about a game—it was a rallying point, a symbol of shared pride and camaraderie. It reminded me how something as small as a t-shirt, a chant, or a shared tradition can bring people together.

How can you create that same sense of connection in the workplace?

Small, meaningful traditions, visual symbols, and spaces to share stories foster a sense of belonging and teamwork.

The Power of Micro-Moments in THRIVE at Work
At the core of Design Your THRIVE, these same principles come to life. You want to create moments of elevation for others, be recognized for your contributions, and feel a sense of belonging at work.

But here’s the thing—creating these moments doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, the smallest, most intentional micro-moments make a big impact. A quick word of encouragement, a handwritten thank-you note, a well-timed unique celebration—these simple actions add up. And here’s the bonus: research shows that the giver of these micro-moments benefits just as much as the receiver.

Want to Bring Micro-Moments to Life?

Download our free worksheet with simple question prompts to help spark memories of everyday moments that made a difference. Whether you're reflecting on your own or sharing as a team, these questions will help you remember elevated moments, recognize accomplishments and pride, and connect with each other.