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Most new teams begin with a high level of energy, with members enthusiastic about the challenges awaiting them. But after a period of time, the team can experience a slump - one that can stall progress on the group’s initiative or put an end to future successes. After the novelty of being a team member wears off, participants may begin to raise the inevitable WIIFM (What’s in it for me)? factor. The chance to have more input in decisions, coupled with acknowledgement of both individual and group contributions, invariably proves to be a high-motivation factor. But, as the efforts begin to show an impact on the bottom line, more is needed to encourage the team to continue at a high-performance level. As studies show, part of the answer may be a compensation system tied to team participation, but this isn’t the entire answer. There are other ways management can reaffirm the value of the team and refresh team spirit. n Encourage innovation. There’s a little (or large) bit of entrepreneur in each of us and being given the opportunity to take reasonable risks can recharge the members’ interest in the project. Identifying and improving work processes may spark new energy. Of course, those who come up with good ideas should have their contributions acknowledged and rewarded. n Offer a new perspective on the situation. This may be achieved by arranging a visit to a customer or supplier to stimulate thought and discussion at future meetings. n Raise the “bar” and present new challenges. Expand the scope of the project or change the team’s objectives so that the target becomes more challenging. Add new tasks to the team’s repertoire, including appropriate support and training. If the training is in stages and the new responsibility isn’t overwhelming, team members should come away feeling more valued. n Revisit the ground rules. A new challenge may justify taking a look back at the operating ground rules set when the team was formed. For example, the study might identify opportunities to improve the quality of meetings. Given the time investment in these meetings, these opportunities in themselves may help generate new enthusiasm for the participants. Copyright (C) 2003 Roy Bartell helping you succedd in your Business. Find out how You Can Now Get Instant Access to Unique, Top Notch Resell And Private Label Rights Products! Nothing To Pay, It's all FREE... http://tinyurl.com/4y5qcon
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