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.