You’re struggling to keep your team motivated. How can you inspire them to achieve their goals?

1 Set clear and realistic expectations

One of the key factors that affect your team's motivation is the clarity and feasibility of their goals. If your team doesn't know what they are supposed to do, how to do it, or why they are doing it, they will feel confused, frustrated, and demotivated. On the other hand, if your team has goals that are too vague, too ambitious, or too rigid, they will feel overwhelmed, stressed, and discouraged. To avoid these pitfalls, you need to set clear and realistic expectations for your team. You can do this by defining the scope, objectives, deliverables, deadlines, and responsibilities of each contract project. You can also use SMART criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to ensure that your goals are well-defined and attainable.

3 Encourage autonomy and creativity

A third factor that impacts your team's motivation is the autonomy and creativity they have in their work. Autonomy means giving your team the freedom and flexibility to make decisions, solve problems, and manage their own tasks. Creativity means allowing your team to express their ideas, experiment with new methods, and innovate their solutions. To encourage autonomy and creativity, you need to trust your team and empower them. You need to delegate tasks and authority to your team, and avoid micromanaging or controlling them. You also need to support your team and provide them with the resources, tools, and guidance they need. You also need to foster a culture of learning and innovation, where your team can share their knowledge, exchange feedback, and try new things.

4 Build rapport and collaboration

A fourth factor that affects your team's motivation is the rapport and collaboration they have with you and each other. Rapport means having a positive and respectful relationship with your team, based on mutual trust, understanding, and support. Collaboration means working together as a cohesive and productive unit, based on clear communication, coordination, and cooperation. To build rapport and collaboration, you need to communicate and connect with your team. You need to listen to your team, understand their needs, and address their concerns. You also need to share your vision, values, and expectations with your team, and align them with the organizational goals. You also need to facilitate and promote teamwork, by creating a collaborative environment, establishing roles and rules, and resolving conflicts.

5 Motivate yourself and model the behavior

A fifth and final factor that influences your team's motivation is your own motivation and behavior. As a contract manager, you are the leader and the role model for your team. Your team looks up to you and follows your example. If you are motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to your work, your team will be inspired and motivated by you. If you are demotivated, bored, or burned out, your team will be affected and demotivated by you. To motivate yourself and model the behavior, you need to take care of yourself and your own needs. You need to find your own sources of motivation, such as your passion, purpose, or values. You also need to manage your own stress, emotions, and energy. You also need to demonstrate the behavior you want to see in your team, such as professionalism, integrity, and excellence.