There are three main areas for a change initiative: Vision, Communication and Implementation (VCI). A blog tool can help solidify the initial phase – vision. In many projects team members are excluded from the generation of the vision statement. This communication devise can share with the team the thinking behind the vision statement. Once understood by the team; members can share their thoughts using the blog. The leader can gain several insights about the strength of the vision and how the team feelings regarding the possible success of the project.
Sharing the Thought Process
A typical vision statement is compact and precise. The leader generally shares the vision with the team early on in the project life cycle. There is time for questions and answers shortly after the presentation. Another approach would be for the leader to share the vision in a blog; Then to also include the thinking behind the text. The leader can explain how the vision for the project supports organizational objections. This will give the team members a deeper meaning and understanding of the vision and the “why” behind the approach. Also, this affords time for reflection by the team members. People absorb concepts and formulate questions at different rates. This method will allow ideas and concerns to formulate; this way, more members can express themselves.
More Insight Regarding the Vision
Depending on the feedback from the team, the leader will learn of the team’s support of the vision. The team members are the main people to implement the project and ultimately the drivers of success. The leader needs open and honest team interpretation of the vision. Team members can post there ideas and concerns on the blog to offer their feedback to the leader. Also, other team members can experience these thoughts and gain insight or perhaps build on other team members ideas. If the team response with many questions and concerns, then the leader understands the vision perhaps is not supported by the team. Perhaps the team does not think the vision is reasonable or achievable. These questions and concerns must be addressed by the leader in order for the project to successfully complete.
The method will only work when there is trust amongst team members and the leader. There is a concern regarding lack of trust if the replies are short and vague. If a common response is “Looks good”, or “I understand the vision”, there is an issue with trust. Perhaps the posts can be entered anonymously on the blog; this will allow people to feel able to share their true ideas regarding the vision.
If the response on the vision blog comes back positive and upbeat then the leader knows the vision statement has team support. The likelihood of success is strong since the team can back the initiative. The team also has buy-in into the project and members feel connected to the overall effort. This will afford the leader a sense of members working to a common goal. The project has a much better chance of a successful conclusion with everyone heading in a common direction.
Conclusion
Communication of the vision is an important beginning step in the project life cycle. Team members need to understand and support the vision statement for a successful conclusion. A blog can be a useful tool to share the vision and provide a mechanism to allow member a way to safely offer feedback regarding the vision. The leader will gain understanding if there is concern or support for the vision statement. With this insight, the leader can revamp the vision or move on to subsequent steps with confidence.
No comments:
Post a Comment