How Collaboration Can Be Effective in Project Management
by Angelique Luna
(Philippines)
Photo courtesy of Fox via Pexels.com
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There’s a saying that goes, “No man is an island.” This is true when it comes to project management. When people come together to finish a common goal, work can be finished faster with less problems. That’s why collaboration is an important element of a successful team. If your team members are having trouble working together or with other people, read these project management tips for beginners to help you learn effective collaboration skills.
What is active project management? Why does it deliver better outcome?
Did you know that an estimated USD35-billion are wasted each year on meetings? That’s why top northern Virginia Web designer Grayson De Ritis advises to “minimize the number and length of meetings as much as possible." "Exercise restraint by setting no more than one meeting per day. Consider making it a virtual meeting via Google Hangouts,” he said.
As such, say "hello" to active project management which means being involved in every part of the process via various communication and project management tools. It’s an essential leadership skill for project managers; and while it may sound overbearing, especially towards employees, it actually isn’t. Simply put, it's communicating effectively to keep the team on top of things, as they happen.
This kind of leadership in project management (https://www.project-management-podcast.com/podcast-episodes/episode-details/840-episode-436-the-power-of-project-leadership) can deliver better outcomes because the information is easily disseminated to other members of the team. With updated information at hand, it would be easier to make sound decisions and minimize problems along the way. So how do you ensure that your teamwork closely and effectively throughout the process?
First, take a project management leadership training. This will enable give you to acquire the skills you need to efficiently communicate with your teammates and be involved in every part of the project without merely bossing around.
Aside from good project management leadership skills, you need to be able to use the tools of the trade such as Trello, Asana, etc. These project management apps make it easier for everyone to keep tabs on who is working on what, if a task will be completed on time, as well as sending the digital resources needed by each member to complete their part of the project.
The benefits of team collaboration
Here are some benefits when your team learns how to collaborate effectively:
Team alignment - Successful collaboration in the workplace allows team members and project managers to be aligned to a clear, organized plan. Not only will it keep things flowing smoothly, but it will also help the team save up time and resources.
Increased productivity and efficiency – With more hands on deck, it’s safe to expect that the productivity will increase. To be efficient, however, is an entirely different story. That’s why project management tools are so important; so you can keep tabs on your team, the project timeline, and the work being done. Only then can you and your team become truly efficient.
Fostering diversity – Different people offer different talents. Each person in your team can share their knowledge and skills to help other members complete their tasks faster–especially when paired with active project management and great leadership.
How to collaborate effectively
The following tips on how to collaborate will teach you a thing or two about how to help your team finish their tasks faster and better.
Make it clear to everyone that collaboration is expected. Some people love to work alone, but when an entire project needs to be done, working as a team becomes crucial. If you want to learn how to become a better project manager, you need to set the tone and make it clear that you expect collaboration to happen. QuickBase says that team members should know what part of the project they will work on and who among the other members of the team they can count on for help and resources.
Encourage creative workspace. This team collaboration best practice allows your team to brainstorm for solutions on how to conquer challenges in your project. Andrew Field, Founder, and CEO of PrintingForLess, says, “Allow team members to question and brainstorm in a non-judgmental framework.”
Build relationships within your team. Building relationships with your team members will allow you to discover their strengths and weaknesses and who works well with who. Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman of Troy Media Corporation says, “Avoid just putting people together and telling them to get work done. Teams need time to get to know one another, to discover each other’s strengths and weaknesses, to build trust, and develop a common vision for the work to be done.”
Address conflicts quickly. In every project, problems–personal or work-related–will arise. What is one important skill for teamwork and collaboration? Learning to address and resolve conflicts quickly. “Pay attention to team dynamics, body language, and dialogue between team members so you can push the conflict to the surface and diffuse it before it breaks down team productivity,” says Murray Newlands, a writer of Forbes.
Use one collaboration tool, only. Every person in your office does things differently. They may prefer one collaboration tool over another. To make things easier to track and less confusing, decide on a common project management tool that everyone will use.
Collaboration is, no doubt, a balancing act. On top of figuring out how to do the project efficiently, you’ll have to manage the different talents and personalities of your team. So how can you do all that? Well, knowing these tips will help you spot develop areas of improvement for a project manager like you. Knowing these by heart will help you become display better leadership skills that will help your team finish tasks more effectively.
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