Hubris evokes Greek tragedy and ancient myths of heroes and kings who destroy themselves through pride. But it is as relevant today as it ever was... read more.
What is project team management and leadership?
Definition
A project team is a group of people working together in collaboration or cooperation towards a common goal. Some teams are co-located in the same geographic area; some span multiple organisations and virtual team-working is increasingly prevalent.
In each case, the ability of the project professional to develop and lead teams is of vital importance.
Definition from APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition
Teams and leaders
For teams to be effective it is important that team members are understood as individuals in terms of their capabilities, their preferences, their cultural norms and expectations as well as the social dynamics between team members. Teams are increasingly international, with individuals who bring diverse skill-sets and perspectives, and can be located across countries and continents. National cultures are influential in shaping behaviours in project-based working. The project professional has an opportunity to improve outcomes by harnessing diversity and inclusion from the people available.
Leaders need to adapt their style and approach to the needs of the team and the work that needs to be accomplished, this is called situational leadership. Leadership is the ability to establish vision and direction, to influence and align others towards a common purpose, and to empower and inspire people to achieve success.
There are some situations when the team leader needs to be directive, for example, to address an issue that threatens the achievement of objectives. A mentoring or coaching style is appropriate when there is time to focus on development of the team as well as goal achievement.
Taking time to try to understand the prevailing culture in an organisation is an important part of stakeholder analysis, project team management and team leadership. Organisational culture can be defined as the way things are done in an organisation, the unwritten rules that influence individual and group behaviour and attitudes which are applicable at multiple levels of organisation, including national culture or project culture.
Managing a team includes understanding and noticing workplace stress; the adverse reaction that people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed upon them.
Project-based working will inevitably result in situations where individuals feel stressed and it is a crucial skill for the project professional to be able to notice signs of their own stress and have coping strategies, and to be alert to the signs of stress in the team.
Four key skills for successful project leadership
Vision helps you and your team find purpose which raises the energy, proactivity and resilience on projects.
Direction helps you create structure, so you and your team properly understand who is doing what, when, how and why.
Feedback helps you have the right conversations to enable adjustments for your team and the project.
Support helps you and your team find better head space which enables better work.
Top tips:
- Set a clear, energy driving, vision to align and bring teams together.
- Ensure the way forward is best for you, the situation and the environment.
- Prioritise you and everyone around you to be in the best space possible.
With thanks to the People SIG who created this infographic so we work together to contribute to a world in which all projects succeed.
Managing a team with culture and relationships in mind is key to good project management. Team ethos or team spirit plays an essential part in how everyone interacts with one another – a culture of trust and openness enables alignment to the project goals. 92 per cent of survey respondents in the Dynamic Conditions of Project Success research consider team ethos as an important factor for project success. Find out more about the conditions that enhance project outcomes here.
Leading major projects
When you’re a project professional working on major projects, programmes or portfolios, there are substantial complications and challenges. You can demonstrate your expertise and specialise in this area with the APM Major Project Leadership Specialist Certificate. Showcase your skills and experience in leading major projects to stand out from other project professionals.
Based around eight competences, the specialist certificate has been created by collaborating and working alongside representatives from private and public sector organisations who already lead the way in delivering major projects. It provides assurance to organisation that you have the specific skills, behaviours and experience required to lead on projects with significant macro impact.
Watch: Working with dispersed teams
Watch: Leadership skills for successful projects
APM Learning
The following leadership resources are available on APM Learning. This is a member only resource.
- Information sheet - Leadership
Related reading
Project managers are responsible for planning, directing, and completing specific projects ensuring they are completed on time and within budget... read more.
Whenever I speak about the differences between management and leadership, I always emphasise that the differentiating factor isn’t the level of cognitive ability or technical skill that someone has.... read more.
Managing cross-generational teams can be challenging, but how you approach generational differences really does matter when it comes to improving project delivery... read more.
This research has sought to draw out project leadership competences from the perspective of practising project leaders, aspiring project leaders, heads of profession, project sponsors and clients... read more.
Hubris is not ‘just’ pride or arrogance. It is the kind of extreme pride and arrogance that arises when someone has had past successes and no longer thinks they are capable of being wrong... read more.
APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition
The APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition is a foundational resource providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management. It reflects the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision makers, project professionals and their teams.
You may also be interested in
The APM Learning portal is an online resource which provides members with access to digital guides, modules and other digital learning resources as part of the membership benefit.
Browse our popular project management 'What is ...?' topics for definitions, quick insights, view related case studies, research, blogs and glossary.
Project – APM's official journal – is circulated quarterly for members only, and online for regularly updated news, blogs, opinions and insights for those in the project community.
The APM Community is our online community platform that connects our members faster and easier than ever before.
Our APM Community portal is currently offline. Please check back soon.