How SDM Build Momentum And Connect the Dots

I was talking to two managers today about the importance of "team momentum".

“Why do you start project B? Your team just completed the first phase of Project A, we haven’t seen the real value yet.” I asked.

“Yeah. I thought Project B has higher priority…” the manager answered.

One of the hallmarks of a successful manager is the ability to build momentum within their team and ensure that this momentum is sustained over time. However, many managers fall into the trap of task juggling, where they keep shifting their team's focus from one task to another, often unrelated, task. Thing 1 is superseded by Thing 2 before it's even completed, and then Thing 2 gets bumped by Thing 3. The result? A team that is tired, frustrated, and often feeling lost in purpose and meaning.

This kind of management style can drain team morale and impede productivity. It is the equivalent of a driver repeatedly starting and stopping a car, which ends up consuming more fuel and is hard on the engine. The same principle applies to teams; a lack of continuity can sap energy and motivation.

In contrast, wise managers understand the power of momentum. They plan ahead, align tasks to strategic objectives, and ensure a seamless flow of work. Such managers can see both the forest and the trees, and they help their teams to do the same. They break down the overarching goal into manageable tasks (Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3), each one building upon the last to ultimately lead to a much bigger goal. The sum of the individual tasks (1+2+3) exceeds the simple arithmetic sum 6! - the whole being greater than its parts!

Here are some ideas to get momentum going in your team:

1. Set Clear Goals: Begin by defining the end goal and communicating this to your team. Ensure that each task assigned (Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3) relates to the broader goal and that your team understands this connection. What are we doing? Why are we doing this?

2. Create a Roadmap: Think Big but start small. Outline a clear plan detailing how each task contributes to the larger goal. This roadmap will help maintain focus and offer a tangible way to track progress.

3. Prioritize When to do What effectively: Prioritize tasks based on their impact on the end goal. Each task should build on the last, forming a chain that leads to the ultimate goal, fostering a sense of continuity and progress.

4. Fast Feedback and Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the completion of each task. This not only provides a morale boost but also reinforces the value of each completed task in reaching the broader goal.

5. Maintain Communication: Regularly update your team on the status of the project, address concerns, and provide guidance when needed. This can help sustain the team's motivation and dedication.

“How did they build Rome? One brick a time!” — anonymous