How to Bring Momentum To Your Team

Have you ever watched a team in sports transition from a great team to a dynasty? I remember watching it with the Golden State Warriors a few years ago. In the NFL we are seeing that play out with the Kansas City Chiefs. My Atlanta heart so desperately wants it to be the story for the Braves.

There is a common thread for the teams that make that jump and become other worldly. The teams that build sustained success find a way to generate momentum when they need it.

Momentum is so important on any team. Whether it is a sports team, a volunteer team or a staff team – we have the ability to create momentum.

Here are 3 ways to bring momentum to your team:

Fun – Fun is a relief valve for pressure and is a valuable way to add momentum. It can be as simple as adding positive energy into the mix.  When fun and play are in the mix it helps people enjoy their teammates and the team environment.  Bringing fun into your team experience can be systematically planned and still experienced as organic.

Celebration – Find the good and build on it.  Momentum is gained when you find praise worthy things within your team and call them out.  Gratitude and encouragement go a long way in the heart of those on your team.  It can be as simple as a private thank you or a public celebration at team gatherings.  When you take time to celebrate you encourage actions, attitudes and behaviors that are ideal on the team.

Surprise and Delight – What makes people on your team happy?  Bring sources of happiness to your team in ways that are unplanned and unexpected.  Starbucks calls this the “surprise and delight” strategy – where something as simple as a free cup of coffee surprises people in the moment and delights them.  Find ways to bring happiness to your team and watch the energy grow as teammates take on the next task or challenge.

Momentum is never a guarantee. Sometimes it is a gift. Oftentimes it must be cultivated. By finding ways to bring fun, celebration and surprise and delight experiences to your team environments you can cultivate fresh momentum for the season ahead.