Support People so They Want to Stay Involved


The most important point to remember about the support you offer others is that they should experience it as supportive. You get no credit for anything else. People don't want to stay involved in work where they don't feel supported. The best way to find out what people will experience as supportive is to ask them. You probably won't be able to respond to every request you receive. Don't worry about that or shy away from asking because of it. For most folks it may be the first time anyone has asked them this question, so you'll be getting a "kid in a candy store" answer. That's okay. Identify a few key items on the list that you can provide immediately. Make a list of others you can go to work on. Also be honest early on and let people know anything that you see as out of reach. All of these strategies will help your team move forward. It will also help you earn your team's trust and respect.

People are seldom provided the emotional support they need to stay involved with efforts over the longer haul. Work becomes a series of tasks to complete instead of something people have passion for and commitment to. You can make sure this does not happen to you by learning why people care about the work they are doing. Take time to talk together about what would happen if you fell short of the mark. What is it about this particular project or initiative that captures their imagination? Why do they believe they're the right people to be doing this work? These questions start conversations, and conversations are good. They breathe life into the purpose, visions, and goals you developed in your planning.

Listen to what people say and, just as importantly, for what they aren't saying. Speak your truth about your hopes and fears, and create a safe place for others to do the same. These dialogues will leave you more invested in each other and the work you are doing together.

People also feel supported when we celebrate their accomplishments. Celebrations are often withheld until the end of a project or forgotten altogether. Don't make this mistake. Plan a few interim parties. Take an afternoon off; pick up the tab for a team lunch; take everybody bowling or dancing. The more you surprise people with how you're celebrating, the more they'll want to stay involved with you and the work.

There is a teacher in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, school district who conducts class as if her students were attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the celebrated Harry Potter books. Each day is one celebration after another for the kids. Her students are so involved in their learning that they earned the highest scores for their age level on the annual statewide tests. Have fun pushing your organization's boundaries in celebrating your team's successes.




You Don't Have to Do It Alone(c) How to Involve Others to Get Things Done
You Dont Have to Do It Alone: How to Involve Others to Get Things Done
ISBN: 157675278X
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 73

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