You’re leading a team in Operational Planning. How can you keep them motivated?

1 Communicate the vision

One of the most important factors that influence motivation is having a clear and compelling vision of what you want to accomplish and why. A vision provides direction, purpose, and meaning to your team's work. It also helps them align their actions with the overall goals and values of the organization. As a leader, you need to communicate the vision effectively and frequently to your team. Explain the rationale behind the operational plan, the expected outcomes, and the benefits for the stakeholders. Use stories, examples, and visuals to illustrate the vision and make it more memorable and relatable.

2 Empower your team

Another key factor that affects motivation is having a sense of autonomy and control over your work. Autonomy means having the freedom to choose how, when, and where you do your tasks. Control means having the ability to influence the decisions and outcomes that affect your work. As a leader, you need to empower your team by giving them the appropriate level of authority and responsibility for their tasks. Delegate effectively, provide clear guidelines and expectations, and avoid micromanaging. Encourage your team to make suggestions, offer feedback, and solve problems creatively. Trust your team to do their best and support them when they need help.

3 Recognize your team

A third factor that influences motivation is having a sense of appreciation and recognition for your work. Recognition means receiving positive feedback, praise, and rewards for your performance and achievements. Recognition also means being valued and respected as a person and a team member. As a leader, you need to recognize your team by expressing gratitude, acknowledging their contributions, and celebrating their successes. Provide specific, timely, and sincere feedback, both individually and publicly. Reward your team with tangible or intangible incentives, such as bonuses, gifts, or recognition events. Show your team that you care about them and their well-being.

4 Challenge your team

A fourth factor that affects motivation is having a sense of challenge and growth in your work. Challenge means facing tasks that are difficult but attainable, that require effort but also skill, and that stimulate your interest and curiosity. Growth means having opportunities to learn new things, develop new competencies, and advance your career. As a leader, you need to challenge your team by providing them with tasks that match their abilities and aspirations, that vary in complexity and scope, and that offer feedback and learning. Set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals, provide coaching and mentoring, and facilitate training and development.

5 Collaborate with your team

A fifth factor that influences motivation is having a sense of belonging and connection with your work. Belonging means being part of a team that shares a common vision, values, and culture. Connection means having positive and supportive relationships with your team members, your leader, and your stakeholders. As a leader, you need to collaborate with your team by fostering a culture of trust, respect, and cooperation. Communicate openly and transparently, listen actively and empathetically, and resolve conflicts constructively. Involve your team in the operational planning process, solicit their input and feedback, and leverage their strengths and diversity. Create a sense of team identity, spirit, and pride.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?