Here's how you can lead and motivate your team towards project success as a project manager.

Setting goals is the most important part of any project. Not only what needs to be achieved, but what are the expectations of every single stakeholder, what are specific milestones, how will you assess progress, and then does each stakeholder believe the goals are realistic and what roadblocks can you remove for them to be successful.

I read that 46-48% of people left Zoom calls unclear about what was expected of them and their roles and responsibilities. With that in mind to add to the factual statement of the importance of SMART goals I would also suggest highlighting the importance of everyone knowing what success looks like from an implementation and process perspective and NOT just from an outcomes and achievement one. To achieve better results, they need to be clear not only on the goals but also on the methods, means, and metrics associated with achieving them.

In my experience, teams can become overwhelmed if presented with the entire project. This can be avoided by giving each member an immediate and obtainable goal that they know they will receive a congratulation for. Creating a reward system early can be a major aid in keeping a whole team progressing with enthusiasm. When team apprehension may build, it is the managers role to keep the team confident in their path.

Communication comes from a wholesome and healthy culture and a community of cooperation. Not just catchy catchphrases, they enforce an ethos of teamwork, as highlighted in many a highly successful team and group in the book The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. In his book, he points out that having self-motivated people who feel safe being themselves is only good for business; it's good for the future of the business. Communicate Well for the win.

Listening and being compassionate to the team is base one. This will help to build trust in your leadership. Giving non-negotiables is a second. Communicating required adaptations and earned praise is third. If any of these are missed, the ethic of the team can begin to falter.

Fostering a culture of empowerment within your team can significantly enhance motivation and engagement. Begin by assessing individual strengths and delegating responsibilities that align with their areas of expertise. By entrusting team members with decision-making authority, you contribute to their sense of ownership and personal investment in the project. Regular feedback and recognition boost their confidence, reinforcing the positive impact of their contributions. Furthermore, providing opportunities for growth and development allows them to continuously refine their competencies. Empowerment, trust, and growth go hand in hand - strive to cultivate an environment in which your team members feel valued, supported, and motivated.

This falls in place with proper communication and trust building with each team member. Team members value different types of rewards. Leading them with their preferred form of reward will accentuate their ability to be self-motivated and take on tasks that require more autonomy.

55% of communication is nonverbal... ..In one conversation from one person to another, on one occasion. With that in mind, how much communication do you think you are giving off in your posts on social media, the conversations you have behind closed doors, and how you treat people when no one is looking? The only way to lead is by example. Stack on top of that a commitment to a brighter and better future, and you have not only an attractive and aspiration proposition to get behind, but an incredibly motivational one, too. To lead by example is to lead.

Learn as much as possible about all processes in project it's almost impossible to lead any type project you don't have knowledge of.

The most underappreciated term is 'thank you.' Thank you for updating your slides, thank you for working together, thank you for putting extra time in. It goes a long way because it shows the team you see their efforts and appreciate it.

To lead and motivate your team towards project success, recognizing efforts is crucial. Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and achievements of your team members, whether through public praise, rewards, or simple thank-yous. For instance, if a team member goes above and beyond to meet a deadline, highlight their contribution in a team meeting or provide a small reward. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces positive behavior and encourages continued dedication. Remember, even a gold star can shine a light on great work—just no need to pass out a million of them! ????. By consistently recognizing efforts, you create an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best. ??

Personnalisez la reconnaissance : Adaptez vos gestes de reconnaissance en fonction des préférences et des motivations individuelles de chaque membre de l’équipe. Certaines personnes peuvent être plus touchées par une reconnaissance publique, tandis que d’autres préfèrent une approbation discrète. Prenez le temps de conna?tre ce qui est le plus significatif pour chaque personne et ajustez vos méthodes en conséquence. Cette approche personnalisée renforce la sincérité et l’impact de la reconnaissance, en montrant que vous comprenez et appréciez réellement les efforts de chacun.

People are complex beings, and we sometimes are not able to presume their behavior or reactions. Having a flexible approach to their needs is something that can help make or break the success of a project. Management must be prepared to find strategic adaptions to rework how we will assess the situation as a whole. This situation can strain some team members, which is why the trust and communication from the previous notes are so vital.

Under promise and over deliver. To the team, clients, and other departments of management. Maintaining trust and respect of the team falls on your part to be reliable in your actions and execution.