Managing a project team: Have a plan!
Let’s face it – project management can be messy and extremely volatile. We are all fully aware that projects can shift in focus and have the potential to move in multiple directions, continuously throughout the stages of development. The question is: How can we successfully manage various project decisions while also ensuring effective communication across all project teams?
Start by compiling a list of the most important parts of the project:
1. Review project plans and try to anticipate any changes
Try to foresee places in the project plans where the project team might need to change. Transitions usually occur at a particular lifecycle or milestone, in which case, you could prepare some team members ahead of time.
2. Leave room in your schedule
Managing a project team means being able to take into account unforeseen issues. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have some room in your schedule in case you need to change any elements of your project.
3. Create a collaborative project environment
If and when new people are brought on, ensure they feel like they are part of the team. Keep bringing the whole team together by encouraging everyone to collaborate and holding frequent meetings. This will keep everyone in the know and on the same page. Managing a project team means keeping team members on track by taking the occassional pulse of the group: revise them on current and past projects. Be available, good project managers know how to answer team questions effectively.
4. Have a plan in case project or task redistribution is needed
I cannot stress this enough. This is the golden rule of managing a project team. Have a plan and stick to it. How quickly can you reassign project tasks in order to not overwhelm certain team members? Some teams may even find it useful to invest in software that can help with assignment scheduling.
What are your tips for managing a project team? Share your experiences and advice with us below!
Also, check out these related posts:
Encouraging Teamwork In the Workplace
Collaboration Quotes: Our Top 10
Project team too big or dispersed? No problem!
Project decisions: Dealing with dispersed teams