In my role as project manager/programme manager, there is no finer feeling than seeing your team working in perfect harmony, delivering project objectives and achieving project goals. In my experience this is not something which will necessarily happen by chance. Infact, it is far too important to leave to chance. There are many reasons why people don’t always play as a team, it is not just down to ego or personality. But, whatever the reason, the effect is always the same – impacting on the equilibrium of the team, causing others to start to compensate. This can very quickly escalate and lead to inefficiencies, lower output and loss of productivity, potentially leading to losing focus on the goal altogether.

Whilst we don’t all have the benefit of hand picking our team members, here are four things anyone can do at the start of any project, to ensure you give your team the best possible chance of delivering success.

Tip 1 – Understand what each team member brings to the table

Never assume someone’s contribution from their label. Ask for a CV, hold an interview and discuss the project with each team member. Get references wherever possible. And be specific. You need to know how your team will stand up under battle conditions before the battle commences. In other words, do your homework.

Tip 2 – Identify clear roles and responsibilities

It is vitally important that each member of the team knows exactly what they are meant to be doing. What is expected of them, as well as everyone else in the team, should not be assumed. Spell it out, give no one room for doubt what the individual contribution of every member of the team is.

Tip 3 – Ensure people’s skill sets are fit for the task

Never, ever play people out of position. You would never dream of playing a goalkeeper as a striker, or a defender as a forward, for example. Project teams should be as diligent in their team selection as football teams. In my experience, most people have a very narrow band of expertise. This is perfectly acceptable of course, after all, it takes time and effort to become an expert, we cannot all be good at everything! But, if you want the best out of somebody, get them to stick to what they know.

Tip 4 – Invest time in your team

Now you have put your team together it is no time to rest on your laurels! What was right at the start of a project needs to be monitored as your project progresses. People’s lives change, for better or for worse, and this can impact on how people contribute to any project. So, keep a watchful on performance and be ready to step in if necessary. Be interested in what they are doing, both for and outside of your project. Tune in to their needs. Don’t forget, you need them as much as they need you and your project. Above all be gentle and kind.

So finally, there is no ‘I’ in team, but there is in individual contribution. You need to understand everyone’s individual contribution to ensure you have a strong and balanced team and who have the requisite knowledge and expertise to deliver the project objectives. For their part, each team member needs to understand what their individual contribution is. Once they do, it will make them much better team players.