Back in our schooldays, group projects were not always enjoyable. In each team, some members worked harder than the rest, while others barely showed up. As a consequence, it can be frustrating for the team members bearing the majority of the workload.
In the corporate world, things are a little different in that each venture has an operations manager who can impose actual repercussions if team members fail to accomplish their duties. An even if the project leader lacks disciplinary power over the team, lousy productivity by a colleague might be relayed to their employer and hurt their employment.
Managing a Team Project
It’s probable that the project leader will not be allowed to select the staff members for the assignment and will not have the power to dismiss a colleague for subpar performance. So, how else can you complete the project when team members do not submit to their respective responsibilities?
Here are some suggestions for project management that will help you accomplish your tasks smoothly.
Clarify Your Limits
Before your first group discussion, meet with the administrator who appointed you on the project and make a clear note of the management’s expectations. You’ll want to emphasize that everyone is working toward the same objective, completing the task correctly and on schedule.
If you’ve defined your limitations before the project starts, you’ll recognize how far you could go and how much you can ask from your teammates. More so, don’t be hesitant to be upfront with your supervisor, the project’s degree of priority can help you transmit that message to the team.
Lead the Initial Huddle
It is simple to create assignments if you’re working in a cross-organizational group. Those from the marketing will be in charge of the sales responsibilities. Those from finance will take responsibility for the funds. However, even though your duties are obvious, consult with your teammates first.
You could discover that some might have requested to be on the team to learn something about other parts of the organization, thus assigning them to their respective areas could limit their expectations.
Use Communication Platforms
Why is a platform necessary to accomplish a team project? That’s because better communication and teamwork lead to a more productive staff. So, give your members the ability to increase efficiency. Make it easy for workers to communicate with others in the business and access the necessary information.
By using platform encryption, you can reduce the expenses and hazards associated with data loss. Thanks to advanced security measures and Slack DLP technologies, you can easily keep sensitive materials in good hands.
Ask for Second Opinion
If, after consulting with your coworkers, you feel that the best way to complete this work is to assign tasks that one or more individuals will find unpleasant, consult with your supervisor before assigning the tasks. You want to have the upper hand and haven’t overlooked an alternative that will enable the team members’ duties to be more rewarding.
Work Alongside Team Members
Everyone understands you are picked to head this project due to your proven track record of accomplishment. But that doesn’t excuse you from rolling up your sleeves and getting involved. Taking up a challenging or unpleasant task communicates that you are a group member and care about your peers. Assigning unsatisfying duties creates the impression that you believe you are superior to your peers.
However, it does not imply that you must do most of the dreadful duties. Be sure that they are distributed evenly across team members. What is disagreeable varies per workgroup, but there is always something that no one likes to take responsibility for. There are often several duties that everyone would want to avoid. In that case, it’s best to make sure that they are distributed equitably and that you get your fair portion.
Provide Constructive Feedback
Understand that feedback is about more than declaring phrases. It’s about explaining the why’s and the how’s of the project. While attempting to provide criticism, make sure you’re also taking comments from your group members.
Again, you’re encouraging them to perform well while reminding them that their accomplishment is also yours and that all of you are part of the big picture. In this together. You can create a happy working atmosphere by offering feedback and educating your team on accomplishing a job, particularly if you have considerable expertise.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that a well-managed team project can enhance your career, develop your professional image and experiences, and make your efforts visible throughout your firm. As a reward, you might even be given extra tasks or promoted.
