HOW DO YOU CREATE a high performing team? One that works well together and gets things done. One that produces successful project results. It won't happen by luck or magic—although these can't hurt. What it takes is the willingness, knowledge and skills that allow you to focus on the process instead of the content.
A successful team doesn't just happen—you've got to work at it to get it right!
Let's first do a quick inventory of how your team stacks up against 10 characteristics of high-performing teams. Rate your team on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 = we never do this and 5 = we always do this.
1. Team member goals are aligned with the project's goals.
2. The team is focused on interdependent actions.
3. Team members participate in the planning and monitoring/control processes.
4. Decisions are made primarily by consensus.
5. The project leader and team members own the project plan and its execution.
6. Team members are empowered.
7. Conflicts arise and are resolved collaboratively.
8. People on the team feel listened to and supported.
9. Individual style differences are honored.
10. Individual needs are of concern to the team.
How did you do? Any room for improvement? If so, try the tools shown in Exhibit 1.
Using a participative project management method is a key ingredient to building a high-performing team. In a participative approach, the project manager facilitates the process by which the team creates the project plan and monitors project progress. The project leader focuses on the process, thus allowing the team to focus on the content. The team's ideas are included, they understand the whole project, and they buy in.
Most project managers have been trained to be content-driven. They make the decisions. They know what's best. They solve the project's problems. But this focus on content does not produce a high-performing team. And, it doesn't typically produce great project results.
Paula Martin and Karen Tate are co-founders of MartinTate, a project management training firm, and the authors of the Project Management Memory Jogger. For information on their products and services, visit their web site at www.projectresults.com or call 877/563-3010. Comments on this column should be directed to [email protected].
WANT TO MAKEYOUR LIFE EASIER and get better results? Then try focusing on the process instead of the content. All of the tools listed here are process tools. They relate either to the project management process or the team process. The team process includes creating the team contract, ensuring the team uses the right decision-making and creativity tools, making sure team members listen to each other and resolve their conflicts. By focusing on these key processes, you'll lead your team to higher and higher levels of performance. And you'll have more fun doing it.
Exhibit 1. Surprise! These “tools” aren't the high-tech variety; they are people- and process-intensive.