7.4 Manage Project Team - 7.4 Manage Project Team
Manage Project Team is a critical process in Project Human Resource Management that involves tracking team member performance, providing feedback, resolving issues, and managing changes to optimize project performance. This process ensures that the project team is effective, motivated, and aligned with the project objectives.
Key Concepts
1. Team Performance Monitoring
Team Performance Monitoring involves tracking the performance of individual team members and the team as a whole. This includes assessing progress against the project plan, identifying any deviations, and taking corrective actions as needed. Monitoring team performance helps in ensuring that the project stays on track and meets its objectives.
Example: In an engineering project, the project manager might use project management software to track the progress of tasks assigned to each team member. Regular status meetings would be held to discuss any issues and ensure that the team is on schedule.
2. Providing Feedback
Providing Feedback is an essential aspect of managing the project team. Constructive feedback helps team members understand their performance, identify areas for improvement, and stay motivated. Feedback should be timely, specific, and focused on behavior or results rather than personal attributes.
Example: After a design review, the project manager might provide feedback to the engineering team, highlighting the strengths of their design and suggesting specific improvements to enhance its functionality and efficiency.
3. Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution is the process of addressing and resolving disagreements or disputes within the project team. Conflicts can arise due to differences in opinions, priorities, or working styles. Effective conflict resolution involves understanding the root cause of the conflict, facilitating open communication, and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Example: In a construction project, a conflict might arise between the site manager and the safety officer over the implementation of safety protocols. The project manager would mediate the discussion, ensuring that both parties' concerns are heard and a compromise is reached that prioritizes safety while maintaining project progress.
4. Change Management
Change Management involves managing the impact of changes on the project team. This includes identifying potential changes, assessing their impact, and implementing them in a way that minimizes disruption and maintains team morale. Effective change management ensures that the project team remains aligned with the project objectives and can adapt to new requirements.
Example: In a software development project, a change in the project scope might require the team to adopt new technologies or methodologies. The project manager would communicate the change clearly, provide the necessary training, and support the team through the transition.
5. Team Development
Team Development focuses on enhancing the skills, knowledge, and collaboration of the project team. This includes providing training, fostering a positive team culture, and encouraging continuous learning. Effective team development helps in building a high-performing team that can deliver high-quality results.
Example: In an engineering project, the project manager might organize workshops on new design tools and techniques, encourage team members to share their expertise, and create opportunities for cross-functional collaboration to improve team cohesion and performance.
Examples and Analogies
Think of managing a project team as coaching a sports team. Just as a coach monitors player performance, provides feedback, resolves conflicts, and manages changes in strategy, a project manager must do the same with their team. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, the project manager can ensure that the team performs at its best and achieves the project goals.
For instance, in an engineering project to design and build a new product, managing the project team would involve setting clear performance expectations, providing regular feedback, resolving any conflicts that arise, and adapting to changes in project requirements. By focusing on team development and effective communication, the project manager can build a cohesive and high-performing team that delivers successful outcomes.
By understanding and effectively executing the Manage Project Team process, project managers can ensure that their teams are motivated, aligned, and capable of delivering high-quality results that meet the project objectives.