I'm going to separate the words organized, on board and motivated into three categories because although interlinked (potentially) they can exist independently. I'll leave motivation to my last point because it's the most difficult to address.
Organization is critical to any project and an area I excel in I believe this strength is responsible for my success.
Organizational key steps for me:
- Know the goal and determine the end date.
- Map out the steps/tasks needed to reach the goal.
- Determine strengths of those involved.
- Assign tasks to individuals and or teams of people. Set dates for completion.
- Evaluate progress. Reconfigure if required.
- Finish and Celebrate the Success!!
Getting people on-board
Clearly communicate the goal(s) of the project.
Be very specific in regards to the role they will play. Be task specific and make sure they have the ability/skills needed to complete them.
Offer and provide authentic support. No lip service.
Follow-up, follow-up and follow-up.
In regards to recruitment use your current team to recruit others. Keep in mind bigger is not always better. If there are points where you need large numbers of volunteers (i.e. event) make sure you train them adequately to do their part.
Motivating/Enthusing people
This one is tough. I've managed significant projects and have yet to find the key to motivating others. The motivated people I've worked with seem to come that way already. They are self-driven and have a drive to do well.
What I have been able to do is inspire people using my own passion doing this I have been able to keep the team energy going with a positive, forward thinking goal-oriented drive.
You can run a successful project without having terribly motivated people as long as you've clearly articulated the goals and the benchmarks of the plan. They will know going in there is some measurement. The motivated will be on it, the others will know their work will be looked at. I should point out that being motivated doesn't necessarily ensure success, if the skills are lacking or the focus missing then best intentions can be for naught. Measurement and accountability for paid OR volunteers is critical.
Real Success
Critical to it all is you. If you are committed to the project and have something tied up in it - personal satisfaction, promotion, passion etc etc. then you will do well. Good luck chickie!
A favorite reader of mine, David Foster, has a site with great management/leadership ideas please check him out too.
