So, now that we’re on the same page about the value of collaboration, let’s take a step back and discuss what makes a project team and how you build one. Merely assigning people tasks is not the same as building a project team.
A project team is a group of people who are all working towards a common goal by bringing valuable and unique skills to the table. Identifying your project team members, defining your team’s identity, and standardizing its operating practices are all critical to a successful project.
So what should you consider when assembling your project team?
· Project Needs. Understand the scope of the project first allows you to strategically choose who needs to be on the team.
· Skill set. Choosing team members who can offer a diverse set of unique and relevant skills is crucial. If your team lacks a certain skill set, a task may not be completed correctly. oo many people with the same skills can cause confusion over ownership.
· Capacity. Even if you find the perfect person for a part of your project, if they’re overloaded with work, they can become a roadblock. Find team members who have availability in their upcoming project schedules.
· Work styles. Different people have different work styles and personalities. It’s important to understand how these differences may affect your team dynamic and embrace them once the project has started.
Your project team can vary depending on project scope and skills needed, but the elements of a successful project team are more or less consistent across the board.
· Strong team leadership. Every team needs a leader who can bring out the best in their teammates. Understanding each of your team members’ individual strengths and how to bring them out is vital to the success of the team as a whole.
· Clear goals and purpose. When the roadmap and goals are clear, it’s much easier for a team to see where they’re going and how their contribution will matter down the road. Encourage them to rally around your cause with a clear vision.
· Standardized operating procedures. When conflicts arise or a task needs to be assigned, teams need to know how to take action. Creating standard processes and workflows, along with clear roles eliminates confusion and empowers your team to blow past roadblocks.
· Diversity. Time and time again studies have shown that diversity improves performance. A strong project team will include a variety of skill sets, as well as a diversity of race, gender, and cultural backgrounds.
· Bonding time. Finding time for project team members to get to know each other and build a rapport helps build trust, breaks down barriers, and opens communication lanes. Finding time for team-building exercises and to celebrate victories, no matter how big or small, can go a long way. Getting everyone in the room at the start of the project for a kickoff helps everyone stay on the same page from the beginning.