How to Build A Project Team - Leadership Training

Summary

Building a project team is an ongoing process, not a one-time kickoff activity. Healthy teams collaborate and communicate more effectively, supporting project success. Poor communication is a common cause of project failure.

Team-Building Playbook

• Match your leadership style to team members’ experience:
  • Be hands-on with new or less experienced team members. Offer guidance, clarify project-specific expectations, and break work into steps.
  • Be hands-off with senior team members and specialists. Trust their expertise while remaining available for support.
• Adjust the level of urgency. Avoid treating every issue as a crisis. A calmer approach can help people work comfortably and collaborate, while critical work and deadlines may require greater urgency.
• Make coordination easy. Give team members clear, accessible ways to share updates and discuss interdependent work. Project-management software can support discussion groups and shared access to project information.
• Keep work and next steps visible. Make it easy for everyone to understand project status and upcoming actions.
• Recognize people and their contributions. Help team members feel valued and identify where their skills and expertise can be used most effectively.

Metrics and Examples

No specific numerical KPIs, targets, or timelines are provided. The practical examples contrast giving a new team member step-by-step direction with trusting an experienced expert to work independently.

Presenter/source: Jennifer Bridges, PMP; ProjectManager.