Domain People : Task 3 Support team performance
Task 3 Support team performance
-Appraise team member performance against key performance indicators
-Support and recognize team member growth and development
-Determine appropriate feedback approach
-Verify performance improvements
How Project Managers Can Support Team Performance
In the realm of project management, particularly in the context of PMP (Project Management Professional) certification, supporting team performance is a critical aspect. It is intertwined with the broader domain of leadership and involves a range of strategies and practices to foster team growth and enhance overall performance.
The Role of Leadership in Team Performance
Leadership is central to supporting team performance. It’s not just about directing tasks but also about nurturing a growth mindset within the team. Project managers need to embody good leadership principles, focusing on developing and mentoring their team members. This approach is about growing people and potential leaders within the team, a task that requires a balance of leadership and management skills.
Creating a Collaborative Environment
One of the key principles of project management involves creating a collaborative project team environment. This means ensuring open communication and mutual support among team members. Project managers should engage actively with stakeholders, including team members, respecting their needs and expectations. This kind of servant leadership fosters a space where team members feel valued and understood.
Fostering Individual and Team Growth
Project managers must focus on both the individual and collective growth of their team. This includes facilitating self-assessment to help team members recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. By setting objectives and goals collaboratively, project managers can ensure that team members are committed to their personal growth as well as the team’s success.
Empowering Through Feedback and Self-Assessment
Feedback plays a critical role in supporting team performance. Different types of feedback – be it positive, constructive, or even negative when necessary – should be used judiciously. Encouraging self-assessment is often the most effective feedback method, as it promotes self-awareness and personal responsibility. Project managers should also consider implementing 360-degree feedback and peer feedback, especially in adaptive and self-organizing teams.
Psychological Safety and Openness
Creating an environment of psychological safety is crucial. Team members should feel comfortable expressing themselves, suggesting new ideas, and acknowledging mistakes without fear of negative repercussions. This environment encourages improvement ideas for both the team and individual members.
Balancing Team and Individual Performance
While supporting individual growth is important, project managers should prioritize team performance. This approach involves a systemic thinking perspective, focusing on how each team member’s contributions enhance the team’s overall effectiveness. Setting and appraising performance goals should thus be aligned with the team’s objectives first, followed by individual goals.
Choosing the Right Feedback Approach
Deciding whether to provide feedback in public or private depends on the context and the nature of the feedback. Positive feedback is often shared publicly to boost confidence, while constructive feedback is usually given privately to ensure psychological safety. Project managers should be adaptable and sensitive to the situation when choosing their feedback approach.
Conclusion
Supporting team performance in project management is a multifaceted task. It requires project managers to be adept at both leadership and management, creating an environment where team members can thrive individually and collectively. By focusing on collaborative goal setting, fostering a culture of feedback and self-assessment, and ensuring psychological safety, project managers can significantly enhance their team’s performance, thereby contributing to the project’s overall success.
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