Motivation is a key factor for any team's success, but it can be challenging to maintain in the face of obstacles, stress, and uncertainty. How can you create a supportive environment that fosters motivation and helps your team achieve their goals? Here are some ways to consider.
One of the first steps to create a supportive environment is to set clear and realistic expectations for your team. This means defining the scope, timeline, and deliverables of each project, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each team member. By doing this, you can avoid confusion, frustration, and conflict, and help your team focus on their tasks and priorities. You can also provide feedback and recognition along the way, and celebrate milestones and achievements.
Another way to create a supportive environment is to encourage collaboration and communication among your team members. This means creating opportunities for them to share their ideas, opinions, and feedback, as well as to learn from each other and solve problems together. You can use various tools and platforms to facilitate communication, such as online chats, video calls, and project management software. You can also foster a culture of trust and respect, where your team members feel comfortable to express themselves and listen to others.
A third way to create a supportive environment is to offer flexibility and autonomy to your team members. This means allowing them to choose how, when, and where they work, as long as they meet the expectations and deadlines. By doing this, you can respect their individual preferences and needs, and empower them to manage their own time and resources. You can also support their personal and professional growth, by providing them with learning opportunities, coaching, and mentoring.
It is important to hear team members' opinions on how the process should be structured. In my experience I had a moment when my team worked day and night shifts from the office, because the CEO was strictly against remote work. However, I felt that the team was not very happy with this moment. I discussed this situation with the team members and proposed introducing a remote format for night shifts, after which I managed to convince CEO that this would be a good step. As a result, after implementing the remote format of work, the team’s performance doubled, and I received very positive feedback from them and further strengthened motivation and cohesion of my team members.
A fourth way to create a supportive environment is to address challenges and conflicts that may arise in your team. This means being proactive and responsive to any issues or concerns that your team members may have, and providing them with guidance and support. You can also use constructive and respectful feedback, and avoid blaming or criticizing. You can also help your team members cope with stress and uncertainty, by providing them with resources and strategies, such as mindfulness, relaxation, and resilience.
A fifth way to create a supportive environment is to create a shared vision and purpose for your team. This means aligning your team's goals and values with the organization's mission and vision, and communicating them clearly and consistently. By doing this, you can inspire your team members to feel connected and engaged with their work, and to see how their contributions make a difference. You can also involve them in decision making and planning, and solicit their input and feedback.
In my experience, the biggest lever is participative leadership and allowing mistakes. Step back wherever possible and let the teams or individual team members take the lead. Asking their opinion is not enough, put them in the driver's seat and only give guidance where absolutely required.