How to keep the team motivated enough when organization is on cost-cutting or firing few employees?
How to boost morale of team in such situation? Saving Changes...
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Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
That's a tough situation. As professionals, its important to focus on the work/target and not so much the office politics. Companies often go through a pruning of sorts every so many years to bring costs down, then when demand is high again, go through a hiring binge. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Worrying about the future will distract your team from their work, so share with your team whatever information you have regarding Management’s plans to fire more people, and ask your team members what their plans are in case they lose their jobs. By discussing the firings openly, you give your team the chance to express their fears and concerns, and to show that you care about their situation. This will help improve their work performance.
Also, encourage your team members to do their best on this project so they can secure glowing recommendations that will help them with future job prospects, in case they do lose their jobs. This will give them something to focus on and can help motivate them during this uncertain time. Saving Changes...
Strongly job security is one of the most important factors to keep the team members motivated. Keeping them informed on the issues if available can be one of effective ways to satisfy them. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
As Andrew mentioned, this is a tough situation as one of the most important things "Job Security" is jeopardized. However, you can keep motivating your team using your soft skills: After work gatherings, try to listen to their thoughts and convey / discuss their thoughts with the organization management. At the same time, during work, you need to keep focusing on your target and finishing the job as required so you need to strike a balance and this is why sometimes Project Management can be very challenging. Saving Changes...
Large projects are going through this cycle. I would say the worst thing is not to be honest. Once people have figured that leader where not honest productivity can be low, real low.
How about visible support for those fired for job search? Saving Changes...
I agree, this is a difficult scenario. The project manager should definitely hear the concerns from the team and being transparent would be very helpful for the team. The focus should be on the project at hand and completing the organization's objective / strategic initiative. Continue to recognize the team for their great work. After work gatherings should assist with morale where the team should feel comfortable about what they are feeling. Project Management is definitely a balancing act / art and science. Saving Changes...
This is temporary. You should not worry. Ensure project support from LOB & other stakeholders. Motivate team by delegating. Saving Changes...
S RajasekarSenior Project Manager| AllscriptsBangalore, Karnataka, India
I have seen this many times and also victim of downsizing , to be honest nothing leader or management can do apart from explaining current situation. For survival need to continue to do good job. If person has good skills and time is good no need to worry if not this job will get somewhere. Whatever happens life goes on... Saving Changes...
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