Having an effective team is the cornerstone of success for any project manager. Nobody can achieve everything on their own and so building a team that can exceed expectations, or at least keep to them, is vital for any project. This is a lot easier said than done however and knowing how to build a team in the workplace requires a very specific skillset. Not only must one have great people skills and be able to find specific employee’s motivation points, but they must also be able to spot and resolve inter-team conflicts and recognize how to get the optimum productivity out of the group.
Even experienced project managers can have difficulty building a team, so we’ve gathered together some of the best tips to keep in mind when setting to work on your own team.
- Step up as the leader
This doesn’t have to be about giving orders or raising your voice. A true leader is one that inspires others, by being on top of their work, being available to listen and assist others and having consistent and transparent decision-making.
- Build relationships with team members
While the decision-making may rest on your shoulders, the actual groundwork and deliverables will be provided from everyone on the team. It’s important to find out what makes each individual member tick, what their personal ambitions are and how you can help to get them there. By offering them value as part of your team they will be more motivated to help the team achieve success.
- Be clear and consistent in messaging
It is important to recognize the individual differences of each team member’s personality. However, when you are delivering your ideas about the work to be done and the direction of the team, then clarity and consistency are vital. If you say conflicting things at different times or to different people your team will understandably become confused. It will also paint your management style as being indecisive.
- Encourage inter-team communication
