5 Things You Must Know About Teamwork in Project Management
Building teams to be more effective in project work requires time, energy, and an understanding of team development. But in many cases, a project manager does not spend time cultivating teamwork through teamwork project management.
Regardless of the size of the organization, creating an environment where teamwork is cultivated and encouraged builds trust and accountability. Each team member matters and their individual contribution is key in helping to drive the project to success.
To be a better leader requires equipping yourself with knowledge about teamwork and the impact it has on project management and business through pmp certification training. Identifying opportunities where team members can help each other encourages collaboration and re-enforces the concept that we are driving towards a common objective. When team members come together and support one another, you accomplish more.
Here is what you need to know to increase teamwork to support your projects and business success:
Team Development
Tuckman’s model describes the five stages every team goes through before they can effectively work together to become a cohesive unit.
To summarize Tuckman’s model:
Forming – This is the early stage when the team starts to learn to work together, and roles and responsibilities are not clear. As the project manager, you have the dominant position.
Storming – This is where the different work styles within the group may create some conflict. Relationships between team members are still being formed, and work processes are being developed. Your authority may be challenged.
Norming – The team begins to appreciate each other’s strengths and support. They begin to work more cohesively, and more progress is made towards project objectives.
Performing – The team is now in a position to work cohesively towards goals. The team structure and processes are working well. It is easier to assign work, and if there is a new member or one leaves, it is not disruptive to the team synergy or workflow.
Adjourning – As with all projects, there is an end date. A team may be disbanded and join other projects. There is a sense of loss because of change and the uncertain future.
As the project manager, understanding this model helps you to support and guide the team as they progress through the various stages. You need to provide clear objectives, remain positive, and immediately address conflicts as they arise. Allow members to take accountability for their work and to celebrate when the project is done to recognize their achievement and contribution.
Leadership and Teamwork
Leading teamwork requires having a clear vision of the direction of the project and objectives. This vision and understanding of how to help members see their impact and contribution will inspire them to reach the shared goal of successfully completing the project.
As the leader, you understand the benefits of teamwork, and you can help each member see their contribution towards the end goal. You ensure everyone is aware of the objective and what is required of them to get there. The end goal is the focal point. It is the basis of all decisions, including delegation of work and resolving conflict.
Teamwork and the Effect on the Business
Strong leadership is vital in building teamwork. You could be in the midst of startup challenges or a large organization going through a digital transformation. Teamwork is the foundation in supporting and driving a successful business. There are also various project methodologies used to organize teams such as Kanban, Scrum, or Lean that influence how a team works together.
So why is teamwork so important? It fosters creativity, builds the motivation in teamwork, blends complementary strengths, and creates a greater sense of accountability in the project outcome. The business benefits when stronger relationships are built between employees. An employee can take pride in their individual accomplishments and team achievements.
Teamwork and Project Success
Teamwork projects will not succeed without strong leadership and a clear mission. It is fundamental the leader maintains a positive attitude combined with an understanding of how a team develops.
The project manager will have the responsibility to keep the team engaged and focused on what they need to do for a successful delivery, in addition to communications, and delegating and coordinating the project activities.
When a project manager invests in cultivating teamwork, it creates an environment of support, ideas to resolve issues faster and the feeling of progressing towards a common goal.
Tools to Support Teamwork Project Management
Project management apps facilitate coordinating tasks, communicates project status, and supports the team in their endeavours. It influences how a team works and provides visibility of the progress, which keeps them motivated. Team members feel a sense of accountability when they see who is responsible for which task.
Project management software like Kanbanchi simplifies collaboration with its intuitive and easy-to-use interface. It is a one-stop-shop for teamwork. Tasks can be easily managed, and productivity can be tracked. The visibility of the workflow keeps everyone up-to-date and informed on the project’s progress.
In Closing
As a project leader, nurturing a team requires excellent communication and a forum where members can feel safe to share their ideas. To support the team, collaboration and project management tools need to be in place to foster efficiency and growth. As the team matures, you will see the impact on the business with quicker delivery of solutions to the market. Tools like Kanbanchi can provide everything you need to support collaboration efforts and develop teamwork.