Too often we forget a very important part of kicking off the project team – helping the team members understand how the work they are doing aligns to the big picture – the organizational strategy. Of course, this assumes that we understand how the project fits into the organizational strategy. I do realize that some project managers really don’t understand where their project fits in – this may be because they haven’t asked or because this information is just not shared from the top down. Shortly we’ll get to how to probe for this information so that you can share with your team the importance of the initiative in which they are involved.
When a team understands how the work they are doing fits into the big picture, there is:
- increased motivation to get the work accomplished and commitment to the initiative overall
- a general feeling of being a part of the big picture – of helping the organization reach its goals
- improved teamwork as the group gets behind the initiative to work together to accomplish the objectives
- increased participation on the initiative overall – with team members sharing ideas, strategies, and problem solving and decision making
Let’s step back. Let’s assume that you – as the project leader – really don’t know how the project you have been assigned fits into the big picture. Here are a few simple steps to take to get the information you need so that you can better explain to your team the importance of the initiative.
- Review the information you have received on the project and based on what you know about the organization attempt to link the project to what is going on in the organization.
- Set up a meeting with the Sponsor to review the project and inquire as to where it fits into the big picture – how does it help the organization meet its strategic goals? Share your thoughts. If you get push back, explain the benefits of sharing this information – increased commitment, improved teamwork.
- Go back – map how the project fits to the big picture and confirm once more with the Sponsor.
Now…go meet with your team and explain the importance of the initiative. Ensure they understand how the project will help the organization meet one or more of its strategic goals. By doing so, you help the team understand how the work they do supports the organization.
