A few things that the project leaders can do to keep a team motivated are stated below:

A Passionate Sponsor

A project sponsor provides teams with the tools and means that are necessary for the steady success of the team. A passionate sponsor will undertake regular meetings to encourage team members and ensure that they provide all possible assistance, so that the project moves on the right track.

Aligning the project to the senior level objectives of the organization can be a motivating factor for a sponsor.

Bring Together Passionate Team Members

A passionate team is also critical to achieving better results. If the members are motivated and passionate about achieving the process improvement, they will work hard toward achieving their goals.

A process owner is a good option as a team member, as they will probably be passionate about any improvement in their process.

Realistic Goals

Goals set for a project team should be realistic and attainable. If teams find that the goals are within their reach, they will make all possible efforts to achieve these goals.

As the project progresses, the goals can be realized.

A Phased Approach

If there is a phased approach to the project, the members would find the goals well within their reach. This will instigate a faith in their minds about their capabilities. Rotating team members will keep them passionate and energized towards achieving the goals.

Using Lean practices, value-added activities are retained and others are eliminated. Such a team will be able to apply Six Sigma to the processes with their acquired skills.

Reward and Recognition Policy

A reward and recognition policy should be put into the project plan, so that team members have a motivating factor to achieve set goals. The rewards can simply be recognizing the efforts in front of colleagues, which will instill a sense of pride.

Monetary benefits are the biggest motivators as are other incentives such as dinners, awards, etc, which are also valued.

Regular meetings can also be arranged and feedback and follow up done to understand anything that needs to improve. When all team members, sponsors and senior leaders undertake meetings and share the positive results, they can be very motivating to the team.

Apply Lean Projects First

Lean projects will be fundamental in removing non-value adding activities. Additionally, the results of the efforts will start to show.

Taking on a Six Sigma project after a Lean one can show results quickly, which will be a motivating factor for the team. A quick win can generate team interest in the project; at the same time, it will impress other members of the organization and help them see its utility.

Accountable Leadership

It is important to maintain an accountable leader. A motivated leader will help boost the morale of the team and ensure that they remain accountable in case of any poor performance.

This instills a sense of respect for the team and motivates them to work towards success. A leader should be given their due share of credit for good results.

Keeping these things in mind, organizational leadership can build up motivated teams that work towards achieving better results.