6 Steps to a happy project team

In the business world, there is a huge misconception regarding what constitutes good leadership. For many, it is a promotion in rank within the company, something that gives you a higher profile and make you a figure of authority. But as the saying goes you are only as good as your team, so a great team leader should view themselves as someone who isn’t simply the boss but also an active member of the team. Here are our 6 steps to a happy project team. Listen A team whose opinion is valued and listened to will be much happier than one where they are not. As project manager, it is important that you put your project management skills into practice and really listen to what your team members have to say. Whether you are in the initial stages of planning the project or are trying to troubleshoot any issues that have come up, one of the members of the team may well have a suggestion that you haven’t considered that could really make a difference. Know your team Everyone in your team has different skills and whilst it is important to make sure that you are using those skills to the best advantage of your project, be aware of those team members who need a little nurturing or would like to gain more skills. You might be able to assign them to a part of the project that will help them develop those skills to help further their career. Helping team members move forward makes them more committed and happier when it comes to future projects. Be a team player Don’t just manage the project, get involved. Being an active member of the team will allow you to see what is really going on, it will make you more approachable and will also allow you to see when things might be heading for a problem. It’s good for you and great for the team; everyone is happier when they find the person in charge more approachable. Compliment When someone does a great piece of work on the project compliment them, each project that you tackle is made up of lots of stages, some will be harder than others, so take the time to show your team how much you value all their hard work, both on an individual basis and as a team effort. Educate Make sure that all the members of your team know how to use any project management software you will be using during the project. If they don’t then make sure they have the appropriate training, it will help them to complete the work and also offer them some valuable skills they will be able to use in the future. Monitor Keep an eye on what is going on with the project but remember there is no need to step in unless there are any major issues, you have a plan stick to it. This is a great opportunity to put those project management qualifications to good use and trust that the plan you have laid out can be completed by your team, and that they will come to you with issues.