Resource Management | A summary based on the lessons in Wrangling Squirrels
The success of any project relies heavily on all the people who
collaborate to make it happen. Project management is not a one man
operation; it takes the collective efforts of a group of people working towards
one common goal. Ideally, you will want to include the following
characteristics in your team: stable, role-defined, responsible, and aligned
with your goals and strategies. You want your team to have a clear
understanding of the objectives and the goals so that they can engage, take
responsibility and own decisions that will affect the project. The right team
is motivated, committed, and empowered.
Now, the big question here is, how does a project manager build his team?
The traditional approach to project management teaches us to follow the classic
method of selecting team members. This may include consulting with peers,
possibly with Human Resource Departments, using RACI charts, and other
strategies that can help a project manager identify which people are the best
fit. However, the real quick is: should you hire the best candidate or the
right candidate?
Choosing the right people
Personality is a helpful factor in finding the right people for your team. You
must find the right personality types that will match the project, the job
roles, and the personalities of yourself and the other members of the team. A
highly effective team is made up of the right combination of diverse
personalities. In selecting your team members, you should understand the kind
of personality types and ensure that you can cultivate a work atmosphere that
will allow all personality types to perform effectively and develop
professionally. Let’s talk about some ideal personality types you would want to
have in your team.
The Leader
This is probably the personality type you will also fall into. The Leader types
are the visionaries. They have the eye for an expansive vision of the project,
from the planning stage to execution to the result. Leaders are the
problem-solvers. They find ways to mediate conflicts and have the will to
facilitate open communication among team members. The Leader is also a strong
mentor–one who knows how to delegate the tasks and empower team members to step
up.
The Team Player
The team player is a more extroverted individual who has the talent of bringing
a team together. They are the more energetic and enthusiastic types–always
eager to work together and work for the common good. In times of conflict, they
are often the pacifists who help mend loose knots and make sure that everyone
works harmoniously. When someone needs help, you can expect the team player to
step up and lend a hand.
The Investigator
In a project team, it will help you to have the investigator personality type.
These are the people who always have questions–but not in a demeaning way. They
are the ones who initiate critical thinking–and they find their own answers as
well. They will provide information that can help you and your team come up
with more and better solutions to problems you might face along the way.
The Professional
As we discussed, there are a number of advantages in getting a diverse group of
individuals with various talents and skills. It’s important, however, that you
have at least one Professional personality type on board. This is the person
you can rely on for knowledge and expertise in the field. In times where your
project hits a technical bump, you can count on the Professional to be your
subject matter expert.
The Communicator
The connectors previously discussed fall under the Communicator personality
type. The Communicators are your go-to people when your project needs to convey
information, send out updates, and a request for assistance from other departments
and parties outside your team. They are natural at reaching out to other people
and establishing connections with others. They have a certain charm that can
persuade just about anyone to extend a hand when the team needs it. Also, they
have a wide network and usually knows someone your team can reach out to in
times of need.
The Analyst
The Analyst type is your go-to person in deal breaker situations. They are
often the more objective kind of people and can be trusted to make rational
call and decisions. They are able to look at situations in an objective light,
which makes them good problem solvers and decision-makers. They may be mistaken
as pessimists or cynics, but Analysts who are motivated (with the right WANT,
WAY, and WILL); you can trust that they have the project’s best interest at
heart.
The Creative
The Creative personality types may not always be the most organized or the
clearest communicators, but you can rely on them to bring fresh and innovative
ideas to the table. They are imaginative and unconventional. Your team can
really benefit from the Creatives because they are often inspired and
insightful and can lead the team to produce outstanding work.