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Improving Teamwork: The Key to Successful Project Management

Good teamwork is the cornerstone of a project. Projects require a collaborative approach, so if you have a team that fails to communicate properly, then the chances of completing a project on time are slim indeed. Good teamwork and communication can speed up tasks, help identify problems, achieve quick resolutions, and drive up the success rate of your project.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can improve teamwork:

Be a Good Leader

Teamwork begins with the project manager. You’re not just required to plan, organize, and control the project. Leading the team is just as important. As a project manager, you are required to motivate your team, and instill some values. If you make a point of appreciating the collaborative efforts of team members, then this will automatically encourage better communication and teamwork.

Incentivize Teamwork

One of the best ways to bring about teamwork is by making it a part of individual performance metrics. This will help your team understand the value of team success over individual success and encourage team effort. Individuals are also more likely to communicate and share information if there are incentives attached.

Use Team Management Software

Team management software can also improve communication between team members. It lends transparency and provides a platform for sharing information. Team management software also encourages brainstorming of ideas. It is useful if you’re working from a remote location as well. For instance, if you have to travel for a few days and are concerned about an ongoing project, then using team management software is an easy solution. It can help you keep track of the progress made on a project and guide the team if they get stuck in a problem.

Resolve Conflicts

As a project manager, you must try to understand the dynamics within your team and identify sources of conflict. If a problem arises, then you must be prepared to work through it and help the involved parties reach a resolution. In some cases, it is better for individuals to sort things out on their own, however, if you feel that an issue is affecting overall project performance, then you must step in. Make sure you emphasize and communicate the value of teamwork and encourage individuals to prioritize the task at hand over personal conflicts.

Arrange for Feedback Sessions

You can also try arranging feedback sessions between team members where they can discuss potential problems regarding the project. Feedback sessions can also involve a discussion on individual strengths and weaknesses. Team members can show appreciation and also provide constructive criticism during these sessions. However, make sure that this does not give rise to additional conflicts that affect team performance.

To Sum It Up

Teamwork is very important for a project. As the project manager, you must continue to emphasize upon strong communication and teamwork. You must also try and be as actively involved in the project as possible. Using team management software is another useful consideration that will help improve the success rate of a project.