by Lou Belcher

Created on: February 08, 2009

What are the basics of project management?

One of the basic tasks in project management is to put together an appropriate team. This will go a long way to ensure the successful completion of that project. Here are some skills to look for in the people you appoint to the team:

1. Good communication skills

2. Willingness to work with and listen to others

3. Punctuality

4. Creativity

5. Dependability

In addition to the skills needed to complete the project, it's important to put compatible people together. Even if team members have all the team qualities listed above, the team will not work if two people do not work well together. They may be the most skilled employees you have, but you'll make life more difficult for yourself if you try to manage a project and people's egos at the same time.

After you've chosen your team, here are some factors to help you accomplish the project in a timely manner and to ensure you meet the quality specifications needed:

1. Appoint a strong chairperson or manager for the project; one who is adept at facilitating teambuilding and one who demonstrates fairness and inclusion.

2. Before turning the project over to the team, set overall parameters for the project. If there is a definite outcome you need from that project team, make sure they know what you expect in the end. This will keep the team from going off in several directions. With their focus directed toward an outcome, they will be more apt to work together as a team to achieve that goal.

3. Conduct a brainstorming session or sessions at the beginning aimed at producing creative ideas on how to reach the end goal and to help the team to start to work together on the project. Ensure each member of the team has an opportunity to contribute ideas. Ensure that all members of the team know that brainstorming is conducted under the rule of no wrong answers and no lousy ideas. If people feel free to toss in any and all idea without fear of recrimination, the team will flourish.

4. Once a plan is devised for reaching the goal of the project, facilitate setting incremental deadlines and making individual and group assignments to accomplish the work.

5. Periodically have the team evaluate how they are doing on the project and how they are doing at working together. Always, be ready to revise when the team procedures don't seem to be working. In all cases, never assign busy work to a team, but allow them the freedom to own the project.

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