Momentum: 6 Ways to Leverage the Next Big Trend in Team Development

John Maxwell says, “If you have momentum, it’ll actually solve 80% of your problems without you even knowing.”

We see this play out in several arenas—in sports, a team will gain a lot of momentum, to the point the opposing coach calls a time out. In our communities, we’ll rally around a cause and momentum will propel it forward to actionable change. And in our work environments, it can help our teams grow and develop together.

How can we cultivate momentum among our teams that will catalyze growth? I think there are six easy steps we can take to propel us toward momentum.

6 Simple Strategies for Creating Momentum

1. SET CLEAR GOALS.

Momentum is crushed if your team doesn’t know where you’re going. When your team is on the same page with direction and goals, along with the why behind it, momentum grows with consistent steps in the same direction. At Maxwell Leadership, we often say that common language leads to beliefs that lead to behaviors. Set clear goals with common language everyone can get behind.

2. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS.

Celebration is a powerful motivator. Compliment and reward progress that’s in alignment with your goals, and it will generate momentum.

3. PROVIDE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES.

Systems and structures are great tools that can be put in place for accountability and support. Whether it’s a consistent weekly update meeting, or availability to the team for questions and ideas, or a specific color-coding system for status sessions, be creative in what support and resources you can provide to keep things moving forward.

4. FOSTER COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK.

Allow room for others to collaborate and help move the needle. The clearest perspective and most innovative idea might come from someone who is not up close and personal to the issue at hand on a daily basis. There’s a big difference between alignment and agreement. Aligned energy will create greater momentum than agreed consensus.

5. FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE.

Sticking to a plan that isn’t working is deadly to momentum. How you achieve the goal can change, without changing the goal itself. Don’t get so focused on the method that you lose sight of the mission.

6. MODEL POSITIVE ENERGY.

Your team is always watching you. You set the tone and attitude that others will follow. Are you optimistic and collaborative? Or pessimistic and isolating? Your energy will be matched by the team around you.

What are some other ways you’ve seen momentum gained among your teams?

Wondering how else you can get momentum growing in your organization?

The 5 Levels of Leadership is an inventive leadership approach that empowers leaders to cultivate a thriving culture, boost productivity, and foster exceptional engagement by understanding what truly matters to people! Experience the transformative full-day 5 Levels of Leadership Workshop where you’ll discover a practical framework to develop a shared leadership language within your team. As belief in these foundational principles grows, behaviors naturally shift, creating a culture of trust and well-being. Connect with us to learn more!

About the author

Chris Goede, VP with Maxwell Leadership, is a seasoned leader, communicator and coach with an impressive track record spanning over two decades. With a rich history of starting, growing, and leading companies, Chris is a transformative force in the sphere of leadership development and high-performance team building.