As everyone knows, “there’s no I in team,” and this axiom rings particularly true when it comes to project management. You can create the greatest project management plan ever, but without the right project team for the job, it won’t succeed.
Every member of your team is a puzzle piece, and the final picture won’t be complete without everyone’s contributions.
How can you assemble the best possible team for each of your projects? Ultimately, this starts with superb leadership skills in your project manager.
A leader is responsible for understanding the needs of the project, recruiting properly, and finding the right people for the task at hand. If you want to achieve project success, keep the following things in mind as you begin the hiring process.
Optimize Your Recruiting Approach
In order to find the right people, you have to know what you’re looking for. Start by considering your project plan and project goals. What are the project’s requirements, and what duties your candidates will need to fulfill?
From there, take time to write solid job descriptions that accurately describe the position. You can’t attract the right teammates if you aren’t clear about what it is you’re looking for.
Then, take the resumes you receive with a grain of salt. A resume is an overview of someone’s career history, but it’s not the full story. Making false assumptions or prioritizing the wrong things (like whether or not someone attended a top-tier university) can cause you to miss out on top talent.
Additionally, you should consider pre-screening candidates to save time. A quick ten-minute conversation can uncover potential deal breakers like high salary expectations and scheduling conflicts.
You may want to partner with a recruiter or other team members during the interview process to get a second opinion.
Prioritize Diverse Perspectives
Successful project management teams include an array of diverse perspectives. If you only hire those who agree with you, your team won’t grow.
It’s a much better idea to hire individuals who question and challenge each other respectfully. So, how can you develop a diverse team?
In addition to individuals with a proven track record in project management, you should hire people with unconventional skill sets. Rather than hiring someone with 10 years behind a desk, for instance, you could hire someone who is changing careers and has experience working on teams.
Maybe your client is launching a product aimed at the healthcare industry. This justifies hiring a past medical professional who understands your client’s exact needs.
Ultimately, an effective project team is one in which people have different viewpoints but who are committed to solving problems together.
Look for Team Players that Can Adapt
Two traits that are absolutely vital in the world of project management are teamwork and adaptability. You might have knowledgeable, productive team members, but you’re going to have a problem if they can’t work together.
Those you hire need communication skills, collaboration skills, and a strong sense of respect for others. In addition, the requirements of a project can change rapidly. Your team members need to be able to think on their feet and change gears effectively.
When you create a team, it takes time to get to know your team and build trust, but once you’ve got your effective team in place, it will ensure your project has a high chance of success.
Build Strong Project Management Teams with Help from Epic Solution Partners
Are you having trouble building a cohesive project management team? We are here to help! Epic Solution Partners is a results-driven management consulting firm that understands the challenges facing the world’s most innovative organizations.
We have helped companies build powerful leadership teams, transform their cultures and create tremendous growth opportunities.
Contact us today at info@epicsolution.co to learn more about our project management, technology and operations services.
