Section 3: Effective Teamwork and Project Planning > Subsection 1: Introduction to Effective Teamwork and Project Planning > 2.3.1.1. Introduction to Working In Teams
- At some point, you may have competed on a sports team, collaborated on a school project, or joined a group volunteer effort.
- Some of these teams may have performed exceptionally well; others may have run into some trouble.
- While there are many different reasons why a team can fall apart, there are a few key attributes that all high-performing teams share.
- First, we’ll explore the popular Bruce Tuckman model for team formation, development, and performance.
Section 3: Effective Teamwork and Project Planning > Subsection 4: Project Planning > 2.3.4.1. What is Project Planning?
- What exactly is project management? Effective project management is an art, and professionals who master this skill are in high demand across all industries.
- Don’t be intimidated! Whether you know it or not, you’re probably familiar with many of the key principles of project planning already.
- In all of these scenarios, you created a plan, managed a timeline or budget, anticipated major obstacles, and saw your project through to completion.
- In the following units, we’ll tackle the key elements of effective project planning, including time management, task and resource prioritization, and project leadership.
It’s tremendously satisfying to see a project through from the initial planning phases to final completion and success!
Section 3: Effective Teamwork and Project Planning > Subsection 4: Project Planning > 2.3.4.8. Tracking
- As everyone starts plugging away, how do you know what’s getting done? You can have faith in your team, but when it comes to analyzing progress, you should have a tracking system in place.
- You’ll want to meet with your team regularly to get a sense of everyone’s progress, challenges, and victories.
- You’ll want to align your tracking processes and meeting frequency with the intensity and complexity of the project.
- Trust your gut and don’t create a complex tracking system if it’s not needed! Use tracking tools to manage assigned tasks and objectives.
- If possible, use a shared tracking system or calendar to make this easier.
- The only catch is that a tracking tool is only effective when everyone checks, updates, and references it regularly.
- There are numerous project tracking tools available.
Section 3: Effective Teamwork and Project Planning > Subsection 4: Project Planning > 2.3.4.12. Conclusion Video
- You did it! The project’s complete! You delegated tasks, tracked progress, avoided scope creep, and reached your goal.
- Now it’s time to reflect on what you’ve done.
- After putting so much time and energy into a project, it can be hard to separate yourself from the end result.
- You’ll also want to set aside time to debrief with your team.
- When leading your team reflection, use the Stop/Keep/Start technique to help frame the conversation.
- What worked well? Recognize the patterns that strengthened your team.
- Honest reflection is uncomfortable, but your team can only improve by identifying weaknesses and trying to address them.
- As you look forward to future projects, keep these insights in mind.
Section 3: Effective Teamwork and Project Planning > Subsection 5: Conclusion > 2.3.5.2. Working Effectively on Teams and Projects
- Up next, we’ll have you put your knowledge to the test with a series of real life scenario-based questions.
- Keep in mind that the assessment is timed, so do your best to schedule a dedicated time window to complete it.
- Think about how to apply what you’ve learned to your own professional development.
- With focus and practice, these skills will lead you to major career growth!
