Create Tasks That Require Participation

A commonly overlooked tactic for improving team participation is to create a task that requires the whole team to participate. Most managers are trained to host an event or offsite with planned activities. These certainly help but tend to be short lived in their effectiveness. Managers should find a way to do a “team” task every week. We want to make it a habit for the team members to help each other complete tasks.

Teams can have tasks that combine participation factors. For example, create a photo collection by requesting from each team member a picture of the last place they went on vacation or their favorite food or other “get to know you” topic. But don’t release the collection of photos until everyone has participated. The first try will take some reminders, but with repetition it will become easier. And the effect on each individual’s desire to participate is positive and powerful. These are tasks that should be done at least once per week.

Every manager needs to experiment with specific mechanisms to improve overall team participation.  There are many activities that will support the cause and desired outcomes. Remembering to keep the team information safe, finding methods to build trust and conduct activities that encourage contribution will build a solid foundation for improving team participation.