As a small business owner you know that the team you pick is the backbone of your business. If you have skilled, experienced and knowledgeable staff members that tackle their jobs in a conscientious manner, you will find the productivity of your business increasing and that has a positive impact on your bottom line.
Every business has some or the other project that has to be completed within a certain deadline. When you run a small business, it becomes your job to ensure that the project runs as planned and that you are able to reach your goal. The fact is that the success of your project depends on how your team members work and involve themselves in it; whether they have the right skills and the drive to make sure that your project becomes successful.
How to effectively manage your project teams
Managing any project is a lot about teamwork; you will know how all your team members function together only when they are made to handle a project together. You know that being at the helm of a business is also a lot about team management. Regardless of the scope of the project, it is important that you manage your project teams in a better way. Here are some tips to do just that:
#1 Focus on team building
It’s important that you test the capabilities of your team members, by assigning smaller tasks to them, before you entrust them with any bigger, project-related tasks. They also need to get more accustomed to working with each other. In a way, this is the time you should take to observe all the members involved in the project and understand whether they are able to work well together.
#2 Unity matter
Your team is bound to be a mix of various personalities and with different drive levels etc. As the head of the team, it’s your responsibility that you create a team identity and make them realise that they are an important part of the entire project. The minute the feel they are valued, they will start working much better and this will only profit you. Ensure that no arguments and disagreements mar the team spirit and the project will sail smoothly.
#3 Designate tasks
This is another very important aspect that you have to focus on. It’s crucial to establish a very clear-cut command structure, even if the work environment you have created is free-flowing & creative.
#4 Keep your team motivated
This is something you would have to do very consistently, and not just when you are on a project. A dip in motivation can lead to a dip in productivity and momentum. It’s not easy to keep a person motivated- you have to ensure there are sufficient avenues and opportunities to keep your team enthusiasm levels high. Set goals and targets and show them how much progress they have made, once they reach certain milestones in the project.
#5 Keep them accountable
If you want your project to run smoothly, you have to hold all your team members accountable for any lack of productivity or for the mistakes they make. This approach goes a long way in encouraging productivity among your team members. This is a good way to show the team that mistakes won’t be ignored and that you take them as well as their contribution to that project, very seriously.
About the Author
Ben Fewtrell is a sought-after Business Coach, Keynote Speaker and trainer who has featured in Virgin’s Inflight Magazine and Entertainment Portal, SKY Business and “Secrets of Top Business Builders Exposed”. He is also the host of the popular Business Brain Food Podcast where he interviews leading experts on anything and everything business.
