Creating the Environment for ‘Jumping In’

November 19th, 2003 by Hal

We're on a roll. Readers are responsible for the last four e-Tips. This one comes by way of France. Laurent Bossavit is a project guy and he's a book guy. He maintains the site Bookshelved Wiki, a community of people who write about and comment on books. It's very cool. Have a visit.

The Project Reformer's e-Tip of the Week

019: Creating the Environment for 'Jumping In'

Some projects just can't succeed if project performers must always be asked to engage. Fast projects, innovation projects, and physically dispersed projects all cry out for 'jumping in.' How do you get more initiative and engagement? First, ask for it. But it is rarely enough.

Set an early example of taking initiative.
People may hold back 'til they've seen others in their group take part. Maybe this is an introvert thing, maybe not. But there's nothing like pointing to an example for calling for more engagement.

Make a game of it.
Share the rules (or guidelines) for play. Be clear how people win. Win? Sure. State clearly how 'jumping in' forwards the purpose of the project. If people see that, then they are more likely to take their first step. After a first step, there's bound to be a second.

This Project e-Tip is courtesy of reader Laurent Bossavit. He left a comment to my lament "I was expecting more people to jump in." Laurent maintains Bookshelved Wiki.

So the challenge is on. Let's keep the e-Tips coming in from readers. I can send a book anywhere. This week I sent Laurent my last autographed copy of The Blind Men and the Elephant. Who's up next?

Project e-Tip of the Week

Weekly Project e-Tip: Speak about Customer Value with Your Team

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