1.

Vision

Benefit: When leadership communicates an elevating and inspiring vision, staff will understand the project’s goals and be more likely to support the project.

At risk: An unclear and inappropriate vision can make it hard to understand the goals and lead to confusion, leading staff to ask, “What are we trying to do?” or “Why are we doing this?”

2.

Skills

Benefit: Staff trained to have the skills necessary for success in their roles will be energized and have less anxiety about taking on a new task or responsibility.

At risk: Without adequate skills, staff will be anxious. They may express fear about making a mistake or tell you they are not able to do what is being asked of them or that nobody taught them what to do.

3.

Incentives

Benefit: When staff realize an incentive or benefit — either tangible or intangible — they will work harder toward achieving a goal.

At risk: Progress will occur very slowlywithout incentives. You may hear, “Sure, it sounds great but why should I work harder?” or “What’s in it for me?”

4.

Recourses

Benefit: Providing staff with the necessary people, tools, and equipment for their work helps employees feel supported and prepared for success.

At risk: A lack of resources is frustrating. It leads staff to wonder how they are expected to do what is asked of them and why more is expected of them when they are already working hard. 

5.

Action Plan

Benefit: An achievable action plan with accountability, check points, and frequent progress reports allows everyone involved in the project to see the impact of their efforts, prompting their continued support.

At risk: Without a solid action plan, there will be false starts, and staff will feel they are working hard but not making progress. From the engaged employees, you may hear, “Wow. We started off strong and fizzled out, obviously it was a bad idea.” Or from the less engaged employees, “Here we go again. Haven’t we tried this before?”