You're facing tough fieldwork conditions. How do you keep your team motivated and upbeat?

Muitos projetos envolvem a realização de atividades de campo em condições difíceis, podendo deixar a equipe desmotivada. Sendo assim, a coordenação do projeto tem um papel fundamental de contribuir para manter a equipe unida e motivada. Algumas estratégias podem ser adotadas como: manter reuniões com a equipe de campo para relembrar os objetivos do projeto, dar espaço para que a equipe seja ouvida e receber o feedback da gestão do projeto. Dividir as tarefas em tarefas menores de modo que aos poucos uma demanda que parecia inicialmente complexa seja resolvida e ter uma equipe em escritório que apoie a equipe de campo, criando um ambiente de cooperação.

A liderança é uma competência fundamental em qualquer ramo de negócio, não é diferente na consultoria ambiental. Como líderes devemos puxar o time, mostrar os objetivos de forma clara e mais, direcionar qual caminho deverá ser seguido para alcançar os objetivos.

The benefits of setting clear goals: 1. The team is aligned and focussed on the task. This reduces energy expended on superfluous work. 2. Team dynamics don't suffer from people disagreeing over who has the right approach. 3. A clear end goal in the form of a number of samples to collect or sites to visit creates a competitive vibe which can lead to teams pulling together to achieve a common goal.

In my experience, when facing tough fieldwork conditions, I believe that setting clear goals is essential for keeping the team motivated. I find that when everyone understands the objectives and how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture, it fosters a sense of purpose and direction. Regularly communicating progress and celebrating small wins helps maintain morale. By focusing on clear goals and breaking down tasks into manageable steps, the team stays engaged, motivated, and resilient despite challenging conditions.

A comunicação é a chave para qualquer projeto. A comunicação deve ser constante e ocorrer de forma clara e objetiva. É importante que exista um acompanhamento semanal da equipe em campo por meio de reuniões nas quais os profissionais possam expor suas ideias, dar sugestões, sanar suas dúvidas e esclarecer mal-entendidos. Outra prática essencial que cabe a coordenação do projeto colocar em prática é o feedback. É fundamental que os profissionais recebam feedback do trabalho que estão realizando, como também a coordenação deve receber de sua equipe feedback sobre a gestão do projeto. É uma prática que deve ocorrer nos dois sentidos, ou seja, trata-se de uma via de mão dupla.

In my experience, when facing tough fieldwork conditions, I believe that open dialogue is crucial for keeping the team motivated. I find that encouraging honest communication allows team members to voice concerns and share ideas, which fosters trust and collaboration. Regular check-ins and listening to feedback create a supportive environment where challenges are addressed collectively. By maintaining an open dialogue, you can adapt to changing conditions, keep spirits high, and ensure everyone feels valued and engaged despite the difficulties.

How to maintain open dialogue in harsh field conditions: 1. Nominate a person back in the office whom can be contacted to discuss issues experienced in the field. 2. Be open to criticism as a leader. If you have it wrong, you need to trust that your team will tell you. 3. Delegate responsibility to each team member. Nothing builds good lines of communication more effectively than having each team member lead an aspect of the work.

How to reward a team experiencing harsh conditions: 1. If you have selected the right people, the team and it's members will relish the challenge. Knowing they will be able to look back on a field season and say "I did that" is what drives a lot of ecologists. 2. Public praise for their contribution can for some team members be a positive experience. These team members like to know that their efforts are recognised and appreciated. 3. Reward personal growth, experience and skills gained with additional responsibility on the next field work trip. Many team members relish taking ownership and being accountable.

Outro ponto fundamental quando se lidera um time é reconhecer o trabalho individual bem feito, seja com um elogio, um bônus ou um promoção de cargo. As pessoas adoram ser reconhecidas pelo seu trabalho e esse é um dos papéis do líder para manter um time de alta performance alinhado.

In my experience, when facing tough fieldwork conditions, I believe that rewarding efforts is key to maintaining team motivation. I find that recognizing hard work, whether through verbal praise, small tokens of appreciation, or even just a shared moment of celebration, can significantly boost morale. Acknowledging both individual contributions and collective achievements keeps spirits high and reinforces a positive team culture. By consistently rewarding efforts, you show that their hard work is valued, helping the team stay motivated and focused despite the challenges.

Failure is important, and not always bad. I have learned far more from making mistakes and having clients be upset than I ever have from having clients praise me.

Resiliência para um líder é fundamental. Quando as coisas estão dando errado o líder deve transparecer esperança para equipe, mostrando que há um caminho, uma luz no fim do túnel. O líde precisa assumir a responsabilidade e junto com o time fazer acontecer, não existe outra opção a não ser dar certo.

In my experience, when facing tough fieldwork conditions, I believe that building resilience is crucial for keeping the team motivated. I find that fostering a mindset of adaptability and perseverance helps the team navigate challenges more effectively. Encouraging problem-solving, learning from setbacks, and emphasizing the bigger picture can strengthen the team’s ability to handle adversity. By promoting resilience, you empower the team to stay focused, maintain a positive attitude, and push through difficult situations with determination and confidence.

Crystalising a team around a shared set of core values is essential for team bonding. This concept should be central in selecting the right employees for roles at any company. If a person doesn't alight personally or professionally with the direction the team wants to go, team bonding will be impossible.

In my experience, when facing tough fieldwork conditions, I believe that team bonding is essential for maintaining motivation. I find that creating opportunities for the team to connect, whether through shared meals, group activities, or simply supporting each other during challenges, strengthens relationships and builds trust. Strong bonds foster a sense of camaraderie, making the team more resilient and unified. By prioritizing team bonding, you can boost morale, encourage mutual support, and keep everyone motivated despite the difficulties in the field.

Never being 'the smartest person in the room' or an organisation is a great strategy for personal growth. It allows you to always be learning and growing while undertaking your core role. Seek opportunities where you can learn from a respected person in your field, and focus on learning over salary.

In my experience, when facing tough fieldwork conditions, I believe that emphasizing personal growth can keep the team motivated. I find that highlighting how challenges contribute to skill development and individual progress inspires a sense of purpose. Encouraging team members to reflect on their learning, set personal goals, and recognize their own growth fosters a positive outlook. By focusing on personal growth, you can help the team view difficult conditions as opportunities for development, maintaining motivation and a forward-looking attitude.