How do you facilitate a new project team?

1 Define the purpose

The first step to facilitate a new project team is to define the purpose of the team and the project. Why does the team exist? What is the scope and expected outcome of the project? How will the team measure success? These questions will help you clarify the vision, objectives, and deliverables of the team, and communicate them clearly to all stakeholders. You can use tools such as a project charter, a vision statement, or a SMART goal framework to document and share the purpose of the team.

2 Establish the norms

The second step to facilitate a new project team is to establish the norms and expectations of the team. How will the team communicate, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and handle feedback? What are the roles and responsibilities of each team member? What are the ground rules and values of the team? These questions will help you create a positive and productive team culture, and prevent or address potential issues. You can use tools such as a team contract, a RACI matrix, or a values exercise to define and agree on the norms of the team.

3 Build the trust

The third step to facilitate a new project team is to build the trust and rapport among the team members. How well do the team members know each other? What are their strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and motivations? How can they leverage their diversity and complement each other? These questions will help you foster a sense of belonging, appreciation, and collaboration among the team members. You can use tools such as icebreakers, team-building activities, or personality assessments to build the trust and rapport of the team.

4 Plan the work

The fourth step to facilitate a new project team is to plan the work and the resources of the team. How will the team break down the project into manageable tasks and milestones? What are the dependencies, risks, and assumptions of the project? What are the resources, budget, and timeline of the project? These questions will help you develop a realistic and feasible project plan, and allocate the resources and responsibilities accordingly. You can use tools such as a work breakdown structure, a risk register, or a Gantt chart to plan the work and the resources of the team.

5 Monitor the progress

The fifth step to facilitate a new project team is to monitor the progress and performance of the team. How will the team track and report on the status of the project? How will the team identify and address any issues or changes that arise? How will the team celebrate the achievements and learn from the challenges? These questions will help you ensure that the team is on track, on budget, and on quality, and provide feedback and support as needed. You can use tools such as a dashboard, a status report, or a retrospective to monitor the progress and performance of the team.

6 Sustain the momentum

The sixth and final step to facilitate a new project team is to sustain the momentum and motivation of the team. How will the team maintain the engagement and enthusiasm of the team members? How will the team cope with stress, fatigue, or burnout? How will the team recognize and reward the contributions and efforts of the team members? These questions will help you keep the team energized, inspired, and committed to the project, and acknowledge and appreciate their work. You can use tools such as a recognition program, a wellness initiative, or a celebration event to sustain the momentum and motivation of the team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?