7 Bad Work Habits That Will Cause Your Team to Miss a Project Deadline

Any project manager will tell you how much of an important role their team members play to achieve a successful outcome on a project. A motivated team means that things are going to get done, and deadlines are going to be meet. Lack of motivation can, and almost always does, have a negative impact on both the team and the overall outcome of the project. A huge factor in how motivated a team is can be traced directly back to the project manager’s attitude and actions. Here are 7 bad work habits that will cause your team to miss a project deadline, and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

Don’t keep your team members in the dark

Not keeping your team abreast of what’s going on with the project, and the progress being made, may make them lose their drive to complete their tasks. This is especially true if there are some doubts about meeting deadlines, or there are other snafus occurring. Let’s face it, if things aren’t going quite as planned, there’s a good chance it’s going to show in your attitude. As such, you may project you’re concerns onto your team. They may take this negative energy as a sign that you’re not happy with their performance, when that’s not the case at all. Sharing information regarding the project with your team members will give them a sense of ownership, which will motivate them more, and keep the air clean between you and them.

Don’t lose your own drive to complete the project

It’s rare that any project goes off without a hitch. Speed bumps along the way are normal. If you let them get you down in the dumps your team will sense this whether you tell them about it or not. Lose your own motivation, and your team will lose their for sure.

Never single people out

Whether things are going well, or not, it’s never a good idea to single people out. You’re all a team. As such, everyone should receive praise for their progress, and if anyone isn’t pulling their weight, you should talk with them in private about it.

Don’t dismiss what your team has to say

There’s nothing worse than having your thoughts and ideas dismissed as silly or unattainable. Everyone on your team has a voice. Listen to them. This doesn’t mean their ideas will be accepted, but it will help to validate their value as a team member.

Never jump down their throats

As previously stated, there’s bound to be a few speed bumps along the way. If you have to get your team back on track, always do it in a positive manner. Being harsh will only create distance between you and them.

Give them some recognition for their work

Who wants to work their tail off, and never get any recognition for it? No one, that’s who. Make sure you recognize your team’s contributions, and efforts, every step of the way. Praise can go a long way, and serve as a great motivator.

Don’t forget to show your appreciation

Everyone needs a break from the stress. Don’t work them so hard that the project becomes a noose around their necks. Have a team lunch with them, or a weekend get together at certain points along the way. This will help to alleviate some of the stress, and draw your team closer.

When not managing project teams, Trudi Buck writes about how to pursue a Master`s in Project Management.

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