6 Genius Hacks To Keep Your Team Pumped Up When Your Project Hits A Bump

Let’s be real – not all projects end up where we want them to. TeamStage spilled the beans, and get this, a whopping 70% of projects worldwide hit roadblocks. Big projects? They’re like obstacle courses with extra twists and turns. Sponsors ghosting, running low on resources, or the team in different directions – setbacks are basically the unwanted guests crashing the project party.

Now, the million-dollar question: How do you keep the team high-fiving when the project takes an unexpected detour? We’re not talking textbook management stuff; we’re diving into real, practical strategies that go beyond the usual game plan. Time to spice up the project survival kit!

Hacks To Keep Your Team Pumped Up

Reimagining Purpose And Vision

Reimagining the purpose and vision of your project is akin to hitting the reset button. It’s not about assigning blame but about fostering a collective understanding of the ‘why’ behind the project. In times of turbulence, clarity becomes the anchor that reorients the entire team. As a leader, your role is to articulate and communicate these goals effectively. Clarifying the project’s purpose serves as a rallying point, reigniting a collective sense of direction and purpose. It’s about aligning everyone with the core objectives, ensuring that each team member sees their contribution as a crucial part of the larger picture.

• Team Workshop: Organise a collaborative workshop or meeting where the team collectively discusses and contributes to defining or refining the project’s purpose and vision. This inclusive approach ensures diverse perspectives are considered.
• Visual Aids: Utilise visual aids like charts or infographics to represent the project’s goals. Visuals can communicate complex ideas more effectively, making it easier for team members to grasp and internalise the project’s purpose.
• Individual Reflections: Encourage team members to individually reflect on how their role contributes to the overarching purpose. This personal connection enhances a sense of ownership, as individuals recognise the direct impact of their efforts on the project’s success.

Team Involvement In Problem-Solving

Empowering your team to be active participants in problem-solving goes beyond conventional leadership. It’s about fostering a culture where each team member becomes a stakeholder in finding solutions. By involving them in brainstorming sessions and decision-making processes, you not only tap into a collective pool of ideas but also instil a profound sense of responsibility for the project’s success.

• Brainstorming Sessions: Regularly schedule brainstorming sessions where the team openly discusses challenges and collectively brainstorms potential solutions. This collaborative approach encourages diverse perspectives and innovative thinking.
• Task Forces: Form task forces or small teams to tackle specific issues. This not only distributes the workload but also allows team members to focus on areas where they excel, fostering a sense of specialisation and responsibility.
• Continuous Feedback: Create a culture of continuous feedback. Regularly seek input from team members on project aspects, making them feel that their opinions are valued and considered in decision-making processes.

Clearing Obstacles

In the grand scheme of project management, obstacles are like roadblocks hindering progress. Your role as a leader is to be the traffic controller, identifying and clearing these obstacles to ensure a smooth flow. Whether it’s a shortage of resources, bureaucratic red tape, or communication bottlenecks, a proactive stance in obstacle removal sends a strong message of support and determination.

• Resource Allocation: Regularly assess resource needs and allocate them efficiently. Ensure the team has the necessary tools, technology, and manpower required for the job.
• Communication Platforms: Streamline communication channels. Ensure there are accessible platforms where team members can easily communicate, share updates, and collaborate seamlessly.
• Problem Identification: Encourage a culture where team members feel comfortable identifying and reporting obstacles promptly. Early identification facilitates quicker resolution, preventing issues from escalating.

Understanding Motivations

Motivation is the engine that propels a team forward, and each team member operates on a unique fuel. Understanding what drives individuals – be it challenges, recognition, or a collaborative environment – allows you to tailor your leadership approach. It’s about recognising and respecting these individual motivations, creating an environment where each team member feels seen, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.

• Individual Meetings: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with team members to understand their career aspirations, preferences, and what drives them on a personal and professional level.
• Recognition Programs: Implement recognition programs that acknowledge individual contributions. This could be through shout-outs in team meetings, a dedicated recognition board, or virtual celebrations.
• Skill Utilisation: Align tasks with team members’ skills and interests. When individuals are engaged in tasks that align with their strengths and passions, motivation naturally follows.

Regular Team Connection

Maintaining regular team connections is the glue that keeps everyone together, especially in the age of virtual workspaces. Whether through weekly check-ins, virtual coffee breaks, or project update meetings, these rituals foster a sense of unity. When team members feel connected, they’re more likely to weather storms together and support each other through challenging times.

• Virtual Hangouts: Schedule casual virtual hangouts. These could be informal meetings or even virtual games to lighten the mood, build camaraderie, and strengthen team bonds.
• Project Updates: Regularly share project updates and progress. This keeps everyone in the loop, reduces uncertainty, and ensures that team members are aware of the collective efforts towards project goals.
• Open Communication Channels: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing concerns or asking questions. Open communication fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Celebrating Small Wins

In the grand symphony of a project, small wins are the sweet notes that keep the melody going. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, injects positivity into the project atmosphere. It’s about acknowledging the efforts, reinforcing a culture of appreciation, and watching as team morale rises.

• Regular Acknowledgment: Incorporate a regular acknowledgment segment in team meetings where small achievements are highlighted. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces the importance of each team member’s contribution.
• Team Rewards: Consider team rewards for reaching milestones. This could be a team lunch, a virtual celebration, personalised thank-you notes, or even opportunities for skill development.
• Progress Tracker: Create a visible progress tracker that showcases the completion of tasks or project phases. This visual representation enhances the sense of achievement, allowing the team to see the tangible outcomes of their collective efforts.

Sailing Through Challenges, Steering Towards Triumph

When the project highway hits a traffic jam, it’s time to recalibrate, empower, and clear the path. Reimagining purpose, involving the team in solutions, removing obstacles, understanding motivations, maintaining regular connections, and celebrating small wins are the practical strategies that keep the team motivated amid challenges. Think of these strategies as your toolkit for steering the project ship through rough waters, ensuring not just survival but triumph on the journey. 

When your project hits a snag, Mentoria‘s got the genius hacks to keep that morale high. Dive into Mentoria’s corporate workshops – your customised roadmap through the corporate maze. We’re not just mentors; we’re your backstage pass to success. Give us a shout, talk to our career gurus, and let’s craft the perfect plan to keep your team soaring through the bumps and beyond!