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The PM’s Responsibilities as Team Leader

Most projects require a team approach. Therein lies both a tremendous opportunity and a substantial challenge. The upside of the team approach is undeniable. By drawing on the varied talents, experiences, and perspectives of the project team, you maximize your potential for delivering a successful project. But the challenge of getting people to work together effectively also presents a significant risk of problems along the way.

The project manager assumes ultimate responsibility for the performance of the project team. Many PMs prefer to focus their efforts on the technical and administrative aspects of project management. But leading the team requires a substantial commitment. At a minimum, you should devote yourself to the following responsibilities as team leader:

Provide clear direction to the team. You are the primary link between the client and the team, thus you are the conduit through which critical information flows about what the client needs and expects. This involves helping team members understand overarching project goals, as well as effectively making detailed work assignments.

• Communicate client needs and expectations to the team

• Clearly articulate project goals and requirements

• Define standards, procedures, methods, and internal expectations

• Make individual work assignments clear

Maintain frequent, effective communication. Teamwork depends on communication. The PM ensures that all parties are communicating adequately, enabling everyone to clearly understand their respective roles and responsibilities. You must also keep the team well informed of project progress and changes.

• Keep lines of communication open through regular emails, meetings, conversations, etc.

• Actively solicit regular feedback from team members

• Promptly inform the team of any significant project changes or developments

• Make yourself routinely accessible to the team

Promote a collaborative environment. Collaboration produces synergy, where the results exceed the sum of individual contributions. You should effectively engage the team in strategy definition, crucial decisions, problem solving, and helping one another. Provide adequate time and space for allowing team members to physically work together occasionally.

• Allow team members to define their own assignments where practical

• Engage the team in important decisions and problem solving

• Schedule brainstorming sessions at critical project junctures

• Provide space for the team to physically work together at times

Motivate top performance from team members. Motivated employees are more productive and service-minded—keys to a successful project. The effective PM knows how to encourage team members to do their best and keep improving over time.

• Take time to learn what motivates individual team members

• Offer frequent praise and encouragement for good work

• Address performance problems promptly and fairly

• Stay involved with and interested in the team on a continual basis

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