Guarantee Project Success by Getting Team Members Invested

Getting your team truly invested in the outcome of your project greatly increases the chance of success. Team members who are invested are naturally inclined to work harder and to remove barriers within their control.

Getting everyone invested can be difficult, especially if you have members who were assigned to your project and don't even want to be involved. That's why we've compiled a few tips to help you:

1. Make it their idea. Who wouldn't want their own genius idea to succeed? you can do this by guiding your team in a brainstorming session. Plant a few ideas and watch them develop before your eyes. For example, if you know color coded flags outside patient rooms will improve flow, throw out an idea like "maybe some sort of visual cue would help nurses...." If they're awake, they'll take the lead and run with it.

2. Figure out what's in it for them. Obviously, if your project's success negatively impacts them, team members won't want it to succeed. Think about what will change for a team member, her department or her workload as a result of your implementation. Any negative (perceived or real) changes should be addressed. Sometimes simply discussing the issues will alleviate fears, but be prepared to make minor changes to your project if necessary.

3. Appeal to their intrinsic needs. Monetary rewards are rarely successful motivators in the healthcare field. Fortunately, your team members are probably in healthcare to help people. So help them understand how their work will improve the lives of your patients.

Employing these techniques with your team should quickly get you the level of investment you need from your team members for your project to be successful. Giving them ownership of ideas, alleviating their fears and appealing to their intrinsic needs will get your team members invested in and working for your project, not against it.

Do you have a tip? Share them by leaving a comment, we'd love to hear them!

If you need help with your team, contact Enovasis Healthcare Solutions for project management or team building assistance.