Collaboration is a huge part of working. Not all work can be completed independently or in a silo, and so the only way that many projects can get done is by working together. By working together, tasks can be completed more efficiently, and when more people are involved, you can be introduced to all new perspectives and ideas that you may not have thought of on your own. But, there’s a lot that needs to be kept in mind when building the perfect team for a project.
The Project
Before even getting into creating a team, it’s important to understand the goals and objectives of the project itself. You can create SMART goals, or create your goals using another method of your choice, but the point is to be able to create a plan with goals that are actionable and easily communicated to your team. Each member of the team needs to be able to understand what it is that they’re doing and why they’re doing it, and more practically, you need to have created a project timeline, and a breakdown of the specific tasks that need doing.
Additionally, you need to go into the project as a leader who can prioritize trust and comfort among team members, and a healthy working culture for all those involved. Research has found that teams work at their best when leaders take a top-down approach, demonstrating the type of work environment and culture that they want for employees.
Hiring
There are a lot of different things that come into play when thinking about hiring. However, rather than thinking about the project in terms of the tasks that need doing, it’s important to take a human approach and understand the people who will be coming onto the project. For instance, are you hiring all-new people for this project, or will there be overlap with other teams that you’ll need to work around? This may create conflict within your timelines that you’ll need to reconsider so that you don’t overwork your team members.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to approach projects with a positive perspective on diversity, and the advantages that diversity brings to a project. When you have diverse voices looking at a project, you enhance the level of creativity and innovation that people bring to the table, thus helping your project to thrive.
Also, being diverse means that people will be bringing different skill sets, meaning that you are less likely to have a weak link, and where one person may struggle, another person will thrive. This also applies to the roles within a project, as it’s not uncommon for people to be required to wear multiple hats, or to take on a few different roles over the course of a project. Try to look for people who are adaptable, and are willing to pivot with a project as the need arises.
Roles
As much as there will be some crossover, it is still important to define roles as much as possible so you have a clear idea of the types of people who you are seeking out to work on this project. This way, you can better match people to their strengths, and not fall into a trap of hiring someone who is not a good fit for the project. Of course, every project is different, and each task within a project may require a slightly different skill set, so it’s important to figure out exactly what it is that you’re looking for before you even start hiring.
As a leader, you also need to develop a system of accountability through open communication, making sure that everyone stays on track, while also encouraging people to speak up and contribute creatively to the project while also feeling safe to do so. This can be through scheduling regular meetings and catch-ups with your team in addition to scheduling deadlines, and intentionally encouraging and praising those who exceed your expectations. When a project is finished, it is also a good idea to lead a review of the project, to understand how everyone is feeling, and to give feedback as necessary.
Lauren Schwartz | Staff Writer
