Thoughts on Motivation and Engagement
Posted by Richard Holland on 11 June, 2012 - 14:30
Hi Guys n Gals!
As part of the TVB APM study tour (see http://www.apm.org.uk/content/thames-valley-branch-study-tour-gamification for more info) we are studying methods of motivating and engaging a project team.
Could I ask people to take the time to share their experiences of motivation and engagement, techniques which are successful, techniques which fail, and other interesting learning points?
Any discussion on this topic would be great,
Richard
P.S. if you would like to get involved please email me hollandrichard@live.co.uk
Cheers
Hi Richard,
So in my experience there are two catagories of thoughts on this;
1. creating a project where people feel valued, rewarded and supported; discuss career aspirations, provide mentoring, recognise great work as well as poor work, encourage the team to thank each other
2. creating a team where there is trust, fun and innovation; focus on leadership of the team, not the project, make sure there is time to just talk, get to know each other and spend time on non-work tasks, make fresh ideas and challenges part of the project culture
Hi Richard
I found this page online...thought it was really helpful
http://bit.ly/Kv53Av
Hi Richard,
From personal experience I think that in general if you explain you 'vision' to people with any sort of enthusiasm, then usually this makes team members more likely to become as enthused as you. It helps them to see that someone else is as keen and working towards a particular goal that they themselves can align too.
I think that taking time out to actually listen to people, not even necessarily work related can help you to reap dividends later as if you take an interest in your people then they will respect and respond to you better.
Also a thank you on a job well done is always always necessary - it perks me up when someone else lets me know they have recognsed that I have worked hard for them!
Hi Richard,
I'd agree with both Alexa and Scott that thank you, people time and vision is important.
Of course, there are projects you get paid for - commercial motivation, which gets augmented by team motivation - and those that you are not paid for, where people make a much bigger impact.
I feel motivated by a thank you and appreciation of the time I have put into a project - especially when extra effort has been recognised - you know, that night you stayed late or you got in early to cover for someone.
When I'm slacking a little people time brings the project back onto my priority list.