Project Team building is the Real Challenge

Project team building for any project is the most important step. Most
Project team building likely, the project manager will require skills from
different departments to achieve the goals of the project.

Start with a core project team or as it is called “steering project
team”. This team should cover all the disciplines available and
required for the project. For example, use staff from operations,
billing, IT, finance, and contracts department.

These core team members reports to the project manager directly and
they should become responsible for the responses of their
departments. Make sure that they are senior enough to ensure the
responsiveness of their department.

Use this core team to brainstorm the best way to achieve the goals of
the project as set by the sponsors or management. Brain storming
involves sharing ideas whether they are wise or stupid. Don’t criticize
any idea at the begging during the brain storming session. This
should give you a real view of the team members’ skills and
capabilities.

Pulling the skilled core project team resources is a real challenge for
the Project team building exercise. Without the support of the highest
management in the corporate, you most likely will face reluctance from
department heads with one common excuse: “My resources are
busy”. If they volunteer resources, be careful. They might be the black
sheep they are trying to get ride of!! This is what is called office
politics.

If certain resources are imposed on you as a project manager, treat
them as passengers and not drivers (make sure they don’t touch
anything that might hinder the project).

Appointing the team members should balance between the skills
required for a task and who can join the team. Don’t dream of white
elephants. They are rare. However, never settle for someone who
cannot do the task assigned to.

Remember to exercise the team building techniques as soon as
possible with all team members. Informal chats help a lot.

The next step is to start planning the project financially.

Return to the Project management skills page from the project team
building page