The project is completed successfully

The project is finally over. Your team has been working long hours, there’s been some stress, but everyone is happy with their work. Now, what is the next step?

Before you move onto the next project, its important to recognise your team’s achievements and give them feedback.

Unfortunately, many managers are missing out on opportunities to further motivate and encourage staff just after a big goal has been accomplished. Its naïve to think that the mere satisfaction (or even relief) that the project is over, is enough. 

Recognise the project is over

People need milestones. Birthdays, anniversaries, opening ceremonies, and closing ceremonies - they are the things we look forward to and celebrate. It’s events like these that make life interesting.

When you and your team have finished a particular project, the first thing you need to do is recognise it is over. ‘Closure’, a term more often heard in psychologists’ consulting rooms should be heard more in the workplace. To achieve closure on a project some of the following simple things might be appropriate:

• Formally announce the end of the project. A well thought-out email may be appropriate, a perfunctory ‘Well done guys’ is not;
• Have a small (or large) social occasion to celebrate and reward the effort; and
• A quick speech to acknowledge team and individual efforts will be appreciated.

The importance of feedback

Feedback is one of the most effective tools for managing your team.

A project’s completion marks a perfect time to give your team comprehensive and effective feedback. Yes, it can be a time consuming process and your workload is unlikely to diminish while you’re doing it. However, it’s the proven way to re-affirm your people's needs - both professionally and personally.

Feedback is also a great way to positively evaluate and appraise the performance of your people. Its also an excellent time to discuss future goals and set directions with your team members. You can bask in your glory for a time, then focus on the next project.

Recognise the efforts of the team

Recognition is one of the best motivators available. Its common knowledge that a kind word is sometimes more important than a pay increase. It pays to recognise your team, individually and as a group. For most employees, there are few things more annoying than having efforts go unrecognised.

Make sure the next time a project is completed that you take steps to recognise your team. This can be done informally or formally – both if possible. Informal person-to-person recognition is certainly powerful, as is doing it in front of a group. Make sure where possible you choose the recognition that is appropriate to the modesty of the person.

Some good ways to recognise a great effort include:

• Verbal affirmation - the personal touch is always remembered;
• Parties, get-togethers, special trips, fun activities;
• Public recognition - could be either verbally or with a certificate, a special mention in your newsletter or on your intranet;
• Gifts - something simple is fine, such as voucher to a movie or a dinner; and
• Last but not least, a financial reward - after all, money talks!