I'm answering in the context of the project, motivating team members should be an everyday concern of the project manager even if there are external reasons for employee dissatisfaction e.g. reorganizations, layoffs. It demands putting in practice leadership and communication skills. In the projects i manage i try to keep all the members engaged (stakeholder engagement). I talk with the team, not only of issues related to the project but also to daily life situations. I'm always available to hear them and always seek to use humor. Asking their opinion, praising and open for constructive feedback. I have the actions log updated and available, risks and issues tracked and project activities visible. As Eric Idle, member of Monty Phython would say "Always look to the bright side of life. " Saving Changes...
Suleander ZahnCo-organizer & Facilitator| Agile ConnectPorto, Porto, Portugal
Hi Andreea,
Actually it isn't that difficult if you understand what is behind your team's (and individuals) expectations. But fur sure there's no secret recipe neither "one size fits all" approach to succeed.
Here are some reading tips that can help you out:
Abraham Maslow - A THEORY OF HUMAN MOTIVATION
Abraham Maslow - MOTIVATION AND PERSONALITY
Dale Carnegie - HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE
Dan Pink - DRIVE Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Engaged, empathy, trust, influence. Especially, in a matrix or functional organization, a challenging aspect of project management is the human resource/team management piece. Chocolate never hurts though :) Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The illusion is that we can motivate people. Motivation comes from within - what we need to do is ignite the flame within our employees to become motivated.
Suleander has provided some good references - to those, I'd add Greenleaf's Servant Leadership, Gostick's The Carrot Principle, and Lencioni's Three Signs of a Miserable Job.
If you read those three books, you'll get lots of ideas on how to light a sustainable flame!
Kiron Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
As was stated before, there is no one size fits all. Every member of the team will find motivation differently. You need to understand what each employee wants and needs (remember as with customers these are not always the same thing). Then you need to check back periodically because this can change over time. Saving Changes...
It is hard to say. there are lots of book out there regarding the case. It requires lots of efforts and there are a lot of factors. The project/department environment is also very important. Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
Try to engage with your team on a daily basis, do the informal review sessions throughout the project especially when it comes to motivating team members. Make sure that these sessions are casual and friendly. Also, establish individual and team goals. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
If you understand your team and how they think, it will be easy for your to motivate them but generally speaking, a great incentive program in place motivates people. Saving Changes...
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