The best tool for motivating teams to complete projects is the project charter. In fact, when all else fails, this simple tool helps teams get over project plateaus.

At its heart, the project charter is an essential ingredient in the "define" phase of any Lean project. It sets the stage for how the project and its outcomes will be measured, analyzed, improved and controlled.

While project charters come in different shapes and formats - from simple handwritten descriptions to formatted A3 documents to multiple typed pages - their function is always the same: Project charters establish focus and motivation for the team.

There are six elements in any good project charter. They include the business case, problem statement, project scope, project goals and objectives, project milestones, and project roles and responsibilities. Here is how these elements contribute to the project.

1. The business case describes the project and its impact on the organization's strategic business objectives. The business case can be a powerful motivational tool to explain why the project is worth doing.
2. The problem statement identifies the problem that the project will address. The problem statement is specific and measurable. It indicates how long the problem has existed and describes the gap between current and desired states. (The problem statement differs from the business case in that the business case is a non-quantifiable statement about the problem. The problem statement, on the other hand, is specific and quantifiable.)
3. The project scope defines the boundaries of the project work. It also helps avoid scope creep - situations when "what is inside the scope bleeds into what is outside the scope." Scope creep is the second most common reason for project failure (the number one reason is poor team dynamics).
4. Goals and objectives in the project charter identify what will be accomplished and within what timeframe. Use the "SMART" methodology to define your project's goals and objectives - that is, keep the goals and objectives specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and on-time (i.e., provide a timeline).
5. Milestones are dates assigned to each goal. They help the team stay on track with the project and are important for overall project completion.
6. Roles and responsibilities are a key part of the project charter. The roles include a project champion (absolute "must") who allocates resources, removes obstacles to the project, and identifies the project team. In addition, a project manager (internal or external to the organization) as well as an internal team leader is required. And, of course, the project team is an essential component. However, keep the number of team members to eight or less for better manageability of the overall project.

Project charters may have other elements in addition to the above, but start with these six to ensure your project charter is effective.

Also, treat the project charter as a living document for a living project. In doing so, you may very well save your life on the project!