Team development is the only human resource management process that is performed in the executing portion of a project. Team development deals with how a project team performs together to create the project deliverables. There are four primary tools and techniques of the team development process. They are team-building activities, reward and recognition systems, collocation, and training. We will discuss each of these tools and techniques, as well as how to decide when each should be used.
Team-Building Activities
Team-building activities are any type of planned activities that increase the comfort level of the team in working with each other. There is a substantial body of literature published on this subject. Project managers need to be well aware of the types of activities that are available through this literature. Team-building activities can be as simple as a group lunch or as complex as daylong facilitated sessions. Project managers should use team-building sessions at three different points in the team development process.
Initiation As soon as the project team is assembled, team-building activities should begin. Sufficient time should be devoted to the team-building work at this stage. These activities will serve as a foundation to move the team through progressing stages of development.
New team members Anytime a new team member joins a project, the dynamics of the team will change. Project managers need to be aware of the effects of adding new staff. It may be necessary to incorporate team-building activities back into the work plan.
Conflict Conflict is normal and desirable on projects. It allows the team to resolve problems and find the right solutions for successful project completion. There are times though when conflict lasts longer than necessary and is a detriment to project completion. This may be a time to use team-building techniques to resolve the conflict and bind the team into a better performing group.
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