How is your project “gees”?
“Gees” is a South African slang word for “spirit”. A project team exuding “spirit” is sure to succeed.
Peopleware, a book based on research findings of more than 500 failed projects talks about the importance of jelled teams:
A sign of a jelled team is the obvious enjoyment that people take in their work. Jelled teams just feel healthy. The interactions are easy and confident and warm.
I couldn’t agree more. “Jelled teams” mixed with “spirit” are two key ingredients needed for project success.
Here are 3 things your project managers could be doing with their teams to drive gees:
- Running a project kick start. A Kick Start meeting done well drives motivation and inspires. It recaps the project goals, highlights the team’s talent, and can be lead interactively with the team mapping out who is gonna champion what. It is the first taste of project collaboration and gives the team a chance to co-create their “ways of working”.
- Encouraging Collaboration. Introverts have a lot to contribute, being able to bring this to the surface is a great trait you want your Project Managers to own. I’ve found many people don’t like to ask for help because they don’t want to burden others. When unexpected talent and diverse cultures mix, this is often when project magic happens. Project Managers need to notice collaboration opportunities and help facilitate these sessions.
- Getting creative with stand-ups. The daily Project gathering has its purpose to keep the team focussed on the project goals and collectively solve any niggles popping up. It is also an opportunity for the team to get to know each other a little better. A bit of banter is necessary, it’s healthy, it is fun. If the Project Manager is the only one talking in stand-ups, it’s time to change things up. Click here to discover 3 simple ways your Project Managers can freshen up stand-ups.
97% of employees and executives believe lack of alignment within a team impacts the outcome of a task or project. {Source: Mckinsey}
Do your projects need some “agile ways of working” magic?
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