Managing team ramp down

During the course of ramp down of a project team, the focus of the team starts to reduce from the current work since they have already started to think and plan for the next option / work in hand.

Morale is of particular concern. In the workplace, morale and performance are interrelated; low morale leads to low productivity and high morale leads to high productivity and eventually leads to better quality of work.

So how to keep the team together and keep the momentum going during the last lap of the race for finishing the work in hand:

• Communication

Keep open communications with the team regarding the transition. It is important to provide clarity of strategy, and make sure the team understands the need of transition and where they are going as part of the transition. It is important to instill trust and confidence in the most committed and best focused employees since these are the ones who will also provide and promote confidence for other employees. Communicate with each individual of the team to address their concerns.  

• Act quickly

Inactivity creates a vacuum that can leave the team to speculate and draw their own (and often incorrect) conclusions. It is important to give information first hand and honestly communicating about what is happening in the company. Work a plan and share with the team.

• Keep morale high

It is very important to maintain morale and keep the focus on productivity, performance and quality. The negative impact of transition on the team members’ morale can be considerable and the team cannot be expected to deliver quality work without them being fully engaged on the tasks.  Hence the importance of building team morale during such times.

• Trust

Believe in yourself and in others. Faith needs to be fostered in the workplace. Team must believe that the organization truly benefits from their work and efforts and this will ultimately encourage them to put complete focus and dedication to the work. Keeping transparency in communication will inspire trust in the team.

·         Execute the transition plan / Organizing

Make sure to put team members in positions suited to their particular skills and ambitions. Give them time and support to choose appropriate position in the organization that will help them grow and succeed in their goals.