Managing a PRINCE2 Project Team

The PRINCE2 Project Team is vital part of any PRINCE2 project as they will be the ones that take on the actual work that needs to be done. For this to happen, the Project Manager needs to ensure that their needs are taken care of and that they receive the assistance that is required.

Keep them informed

Information is what keeps a project team working at the rate of progress that is required. Not only does the PRINCE2 Project Manager have to ensure that they receive the required information, but he needs to ensure that it is accurate and delivered at the right time. Many projects meet a premature end due to inaccurate or mistimed information and the only way to avoid this is to keep the channels of communication open and clear at all times.

Acknowledge their work

When work is being done swiftly and correctly, it is important to acknowledge that fact. This will not only boost morale among the team, but it will ensure that they know the work done is appreciated. However, the reverse is also true. When one or more team member is not bringing their side, it is important to address the issue. Too often is shoddy work not addressed, which will lead to not only an inferior product, but possibly project failure.

Address issues

The Project Manager is not always present when work is being carried out and when issues arise between team members. This is where it is vital to ensure that the team knows that they can communicate with the Project Manager when there is a problem and that it will be dealt with fairly and professionally. A project team that does not get along does not bode well for the project itself.

Meet their requirements

There are many small factors that can derail a project. If machinery is not working as it should, work cannot commence as is required. If the correct amount of resources aren’t made available to the project team, the project could grind to a halt. A project team that is willing and able to do the work becomes utterly redundant when their needs aren’t met.

Stay current

To ensure that the PRINCE2 project team remains as productive as possible, the Project Manager needs to keep his skills up to date. Falling into the habit of tailoring every project in the same manner or using outdated techniques will frustrate the team and productivity will suffer.

Train your team

A major pitfall for project teams is a sense of feeling stagnant. Using the same skills every day can become tiresome and repetitive, having a negative impact on the team’s morale. Suggest further training to add to their skills. This will open up more roles that can be taken up and at the very least ensures that the Project Manager leads a team of highly trained project professionals.

Likewise, a project team member with an affinity for a particular skill should be encouraged to develop it. Having a varied skill set in the project team can only benefit the project and will help team members feel that development of their skills and career progression is being taken seriously.

Time off

Be sure that the project team members get enough rest. It is virtually impossible to function at full capacity when the team is tired and have been working relentlessly for an extended period of time. It is easy for mistakes to happen or solutions to go amiss when the team feel overworked. Acknowledge the fact that they have lives outside of work and need to spend time with family. A well-deserved rest will ensure that they return to work refreshed and ready to carry on with determination.

Help them progress

Encourage team members to develop their careers. They may feel bogged down by filling the same role for years on end. When an opportunity arises for a team member to move their career to a higher level, it should be welcomed and they should be given the freedom to make their own choice. You may lose a valuable team member for the time being, but you may gain an experienced co-worker in the future.

Not all Project Managers realise that they have an impact on the lives of the project team and that the project would surely fail if it was not for their hard work. Give credit where it is due, work closely with the project team and gain their respect by taking their needs into account. This will make for a harmonious work environment where work is done diligently and timeously, guiding your projects towards success.