Build a great team

Talk with your team members.

It’s a new year and everyone seems to be getting back to work.  New project assignments are going out, and it’s time to start building teams. How do you make sure the team you get is the team that can get the job done?

Assess the team needs of the project

Working with the sponsor, the project manager develops a charter – the description of the project. Using the data in the charter, the project manager can determine which skills are needed for the project.

Different projects – different skills

For a software development project, most projects need a business analyst, developer, tester, and a technical writer or communication specialist to help with writing requirements, test scripts, documentation and training, and the initial marketing materials.

Identify the appropriate individuals

Whether you’re working in the corporate structure with a company filled with skills, or a small shop that works with freelance talent, you’ll need to identify the individuals who have the skills you need. Start by inquiring within your network for recommendations. Create a list and start making phone calls or emailing your potential new team members.

Screen the individuals

Once you know who you are interested in, it’s time to start interviewing. For most teams, it’s not the skill that is an issue, it’s the personalities. Try to determine if this person can work with the team. Do they seem flexible? Are they personable? Do they have a reputation for being easy to work with? Gather together folks that can get along and learn together.

Work with managers to assign workers

Most project managers do not have direct reports. They are assigned workers who work for other managers. Work to keep a professional and positive relationship with the managers of your team members.  The manager and the team member can help determine availability in hours and time frames. They can help the project manager develop a realistic schedule.

Team kickoff

Once the team is in place, it’s time for a team kickoff. Get the entire team together so everyone can meet and talk about their role in the project. Part of this meeting is a description of the project, the objectives, and the current schedule.

Team Dynamics

Inviting the sponsor or customer is a decision made by the project manager. Many project managers prefer to get the team together and work out any issues prior to getting the customer or the sponsor involved. For others, a combination team and project kickoff meeting are fine. Each manager needs to assess their own situation.

Ad-hoc Team Members

What if there’s someone you know can make a big difference on the team, but they haven’t been assigned to you? Talk with the individual. Sometimes they are just not interested. Maybe they are just too busy to be on the team.

If they’re willing,  it’s time to schedule a joint meeting with the potential member and that person’s manager. Even if you can’t get them assigned to the team permanently, perhaps you can use their skills as needed on the project. Don’t assume that everyone who is participating in the success of a project is an assigned, permanent team member.

Building teams is more art than science.  How do you build your teams? Tell us in the comments below.

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