You’re struggling to get your team on board with a new project. How can you get them excited about it?

1 Show the vision

The first step is to communicate your vision clearly and persuasively. Explain the problem that you are trying to solve, the goals that you have, and the impact that you expect to have. Use examples, stories, and data to illustrate your points and show how the project aligns with the organization's mission and values. Make sure to address any questions, concerns, or objections that your team might have and demonstrate how the project can benefit them personally and professionally.

2 Involve them early

The second step is to involve your team in the project as early as possible. Don't just assign tasks and roles, but invite them to contribute their ideas, feedback, and suggestions. Make them feel valued and respected as part of the systems design team. Encourage them to share their expertise, experience, and perspectives and listen to them attentively. Incorporate their input into the project plan and show them how they can shape the outcome.

3 Provide support and guidance

The third step is to provide your team with the support and guidance they need to succeed in the project. Provide them with the necessary resources, tools, and training to help them learn and apply the systems design principles and methods. Give them clear expectations, milestones, and deadlines and monitor their progress and performance. Provide them with regular feedback, recognition, and encouragement and celebrate their achievements. Help them overcome any challenges, difficulties, or conflicts that they might encounter along the way.

4 Foster collaboration and creativity

The fourth step is to foster a collaborative and creative culture within your team. Promote a positive and respectful atmosphere where everyone can communicate openly and honestly. Facilitate effective teamwork and coordination by using appropriate tools and techniques, such as brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and reviewing. Encourage your team to experiment, learn, and improve their systems design skills and solutions. Challenge them to think outside the box and explore different possibilities and alternatives.

5 Inspire passion and commitment

The fifth step is to inspire passion and commitment in your team. Show them how much you care about the project and the problem that you are solving. Share your enthusiasm, excitement, and curiosity and make the project fun and engaging. Connect the project to your team's values, interests, and passions and help them find meaning and purpose in their work. Remind them of the vision and the impact that they can have and motivate them to pursue excellence and innovation.

6 Lead by example

The final step is to lead by example. Be a role model for your team and demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes that you expect from them. Be confident, assertive, and decisive, but also humble, flexible, and open-minded. Be proactive, organized, and focused, but also adaptable, responsive, and agile. Be collaborative, supportive, and respectful, but also independent, accountable, and responsible. Be creative, curious, and experimental, but also analytical, critical, and rational. Show your team that you are passionate, committed, and excited about the project and the systems design process.