Working on projects is often hard work requiring many hours of dedication. This is why it is important to recognize team contributions to making any project a success. This may be done with the team at a celebration ceremony or with individual members being rewarded for each of their contributions.

Project celebrations often occur only upon completion of the overall project. However, small celebrations during project implementation should also exist for key portions of the project. These celebrations typically will coincide with a phase completion or a major milestone being accomplished. Celebrations may be included in the project budget or they may be activities that are sponsored by the project manager or team members who feel a celebration is in order. Project celebrations may take the form of a small party with snacks, doing a potluck lunch, taking the entire team membership out for lunch, or holding a special dinner as a group that includes the project sponsor or customer.

Project rewards can be used to recognize both team behavior and individual accomplishments. Giving the rewards in a team meeting or during a celebration often motivates team members to work better together and show that each member's contributions are valued. Rewards and other compensation must be project manager and sponsor approved and planned with inputs from the project manager. Rewards may be in the form of gifts, bonuses, or salary increases. Other means of rewarding team members may include motivators, such as challenging work, recognition for a job well-done, assignment to higher-level projects, knowledge that contribution was significant to project success, leadership development opportunities, and working with other teams. In rewarding team members, a personal or written thank you for a job well done is always appreciated. This little recognition is a great motivator for future performance and willingness to volunteer.

Since it is important to recognize individual members and the project team for their contributions to making the project a success, consider planning for team celebrations and members rewards. Rewards and key celebrations motivate members who are working many hours to insure a project's success.