After the dancing ended, everyone gathered round to see what would happen next. And next were the gift-giving ceremonies. We’d found through our research into high-performance teams that recognition and reward are critical components of effective teamwork. Throughout the workshop-planning process, everyone we spoke to (Corporation staff, the consultants and management associated with the project) commented on the gruelling nature of the consultant-selection process. It had taken months and had been highly competitive and very taxing for all concerned. All agreed that we had to put that unhappiness behind us. As a first step, we needed to recognize and validate the consultants and express the Project Manager’s (and the Corporation’s) delight in their selection. Kelvin and I knew from experience that the life of a consultant often lacks professionally affirming experiences.