The secret to high ROI is in the PEOPLE!  So today, I am going to focus on 5 tips for building a project team and attracting the superstars in your organization to beg to be on your project.  Many companies just assign whoever has some availability; and, often times, this is a recent hire with no experience in the company.  It’s time to STOP this behavior NOW!  Don’t you want the best talent on your business analytics project? But how?

Picture a world where the top talent in the organization is fighting to be on your Business Analytics Project.  Finance, Marketing, Sales, IT… all the superstars come out begging to be moved onto the Business Analytics team.  Seems a little farfetched?  I don’t believe so.

I believe superstar talent has some common denominators.  They strive to change the world, they believe in doing things the right way, they don’t believe in the word “no”, and they rise to the challenge to solve complex problems.  They love to be around people like themselves.  They are creative, bright and tend to bend the rules a little to get results.

Now that we have an attribute profile, what are some ways of building a project team and creating an environment that will get these people begging to move to Business Analytics projects?

1. You MUST create an environment where they can thrive, grow and shine!  Create an opportunity where you are satisfying their needs; play to their passions and you will have them jumping out of bed totally jazzed to get to work.
2. Define and Communicate the Importance and Purpose of your Project.  Have the highest level executive possible announce how Business Analytics will help the organization grow and change the lives of customers and employees.  (Ideally, this will be related to the purpose, or why your organization exists).  Coach them to make this sound like the most important project in the organization, because it is!
3. Executive Support – This requires top executives and managers to communicate to their teams that if someone wishes to transfer to the Business Analytics department, it is acceptable.  Managers cannot hoard their talent.  They must understand the importance of Business Analytics to the growth and profitability of the organization.
4. Plan and create a project culture that inspires creativity and cooperation.  This needs to be done in the very first team meeting.  The organizer/manager must bring energy and passion, and must establish project team rules.
5. Celebrate the wins as a team.  The project will take many twists and turns along the way.  Celebrate the small wins and make it public, giving praise to all who supported the efforts, even non-team members.  And don’t forget to laugh, a lot.

Build the Team, Build a Culture and Make IT Happen! It will put the FUN back in your career. Contact us at Sales@LodestarSolutions.com for more information!