Written by: Chris Richardson
The role of a project manager is quite complex. This single individual has to initiate, plan, organize, execute, measure, optimize, and scale a project. Simply put, a project manager is the person in charge, or in control of a project in which more individuals are being a part of. The success of the project heavily depends on the effectiveness of the project manager.
The Importance of Effective Team Building
Becoming a top-notch project manager is not an easy status to attain. Yet, if you understand this one fact, you’ll improve your results immediately. Here’s the fact:
Effective team building leads to effective project performance. They’re interconnected. So how do you build your team in the most effective manner? Well, the answer is very simple, and it consists in 1 word: habits. As a project manager, you need to implement the most constructive habits for your team. The team building process should be developed in accordance with the habits you pre-establish. Today’s post is all about that: giving you clues about the best practices that you and your team can attain in order to grow the performance and the success rate of your future projects.
Well, here are several habits for developing an effective team and managing the project in the same effective manner:
1. Proactivity
One of the essential traits of a successful project manager is proactivity. When the one in charge is not waiting for problems to be solved on their own, the performance of the project will definitely improve. A proactive attitude is rather a habit than a one-time happening. You develop it in time, just like a skill.
2. Constant Usage of Quality Project Management Software
Nowadays, there are dozens of project management tools which can be helpful to your overall performance. These smart apps will offer you effective communication channels, planning dashboards, and all types of other useful features. A great project manager will always seek the best quality tools for him and his team.
3. Listening & Understanding
Very few people listen. When I say “listen” I’m talking about the real ability to actually listen. When you do that, you’re eliminating all of your thoughts, incoming responses, or judgments. You sit and listen with the hope of understanding the real concerns of your team members. If you’re able to do that, you will be able to provide better solutions to the occurring challenges.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility in Regards to Changes
Today’s projects suffer a lot of modifications. Nothing’s for sure and everything’s possible. When a better idea intervenes – even if it comes from one of your team members – a change is ought to be made. Now; if you’re cultivating a habit of flexibility in regards to the modifications, the challenges, and the setbacks that you will encounter will be less damaging.
5. Solving Interpersonal Issues
The atmosphere and the vibe from the workplace…it better be positive. When your team is having difficulties in socializing and communicating, your project’s performance will suffer because of it. A professional project manager consistently manages the interpersonal conflicts between his team members. He’s the one who proposes peace and offers solutions for that peace to be accepted.
6. Predicting the Incoming Problems
The habit of predicting incoming trouble is surely an advantageous factor that any project manager should possess. Because you’re the one with the most knowledge and expertise, you should use the reverse engineering process in order to brainstorm your future actions.
Once you know what you’re going to do next, figure out each small issue which is about to rise. Note them down (even if they’re not guaranteed to happen). The next step is to find the solutions on your own. The process ends when you display the upcoming challenges and the solutions that your team members might leverage.
7. Motivating the Team
Lastly yet very importantly, the habit of motivating your team is almost critical. You need to remind yourself that you’re dealing with employees which are often paid per hour. Whether they give their best or not also depends on you. To motivate your team members, strive to give each of them a purpose.
Mark Hudson, HR manager of Essay Geeks, shares his opinion on the matter:
Let them understand how important their role is for the success of the project, and let them know of the rewards that are expecting them in case they perform well. Moreover, have them acknowledge the mission of your project beyond the paycheck.
Takeaways
Developing a great team through strategic team-building habits and practices is one of your best ways of improving the results of your projects. The better you develop your team the better your project will look at the end. Never stop improving yourself, and never let your team’s collective efforts go down the drain because of the lack of good habits!
Chris Richardson is a journalist, editor, and a blogger. He loves to write, learn new things, and meet new outgoing people. Chris is also fond of traveling, sports, and playing the guitar. Follow him on Facebook and Google+.
