You’re struggling to get your team on board with a new project. How can you convince them to buy in?

1 Identify the benefits

Before you present your project to your team, make sure you have a clear and compelling case for why it is worth pursuing. How will it benefit the company, the customers, and the team members themselves? What are the goals, the expected outcomes, and the measures of success? How will it align with the company's mission, values, and strategy? How will it enhance the team's skills, reputation, and satisfaction? Be prepared to answer these questions and show evidence to support your claims.

2 Involve them in the process

One of the best ways to get your team on board is to make them feel part of the project from the start. Ask for their input, feedback, and suggestions on how to shape and implement the project. Listen to their concerns, objections, and doubts, and address them respectfully and honestly. Show them that you value their opinions, expertise, and experience, and that you are open to learning from them. By involving them in the process, you can build trust, collaboration, and ownership among your team members.

3 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is key to getting your team on board with a new project. You need to communicate your vision, your expectations, and your progress in a clear and consistent manner. Use different channels and formats, such as meetings, emails, newsletters, presentations, and reports, to reach your team members and keep them informed and engaged. Avoid jargon, ambiguity, and information overload, and focus on the main messages and actions. Encourage questions, comments, and feedback, and respond to them promptly and constructively.

4 Provide support and recognition

Another way to get your team on board is to provide them with the support and recognition they need to succeed in the project. Support can include training, coaching, mentoring, resources, tools, and time. Recognition can include praise, appreciation, rewards, incentives, and opportunities. Show your team members that you care about their well-being, their growth, and their achievements, and that you are there to help them overcome any challenges or difficulties. By providing support and recognition, you can boost their confidence, motivation, and loyalty.

5 Lead by example

Finally, you can get your team on board by leading by example. You need to demonstrate your commitment, enthusiasm, and competence for the project, and show your team members how to act and behave accordingly. You need to set realistic and attainable goals, follow through on your promises, take responsibility for your actions, and learn from your mistakes. You need to be positive, optimistic, and resilient, and inspire your team members to do the same. By leading by example, you can create a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork.