People-Centric Project Management: How to Build High-Performing Teams
Effective project management is not just about following a process or using tools and technology. It is also about building a strong team that can work together towards a common goal.
People-centric project management is a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being, communication, and collaboration of team members. In short, it puts people first.
You may have guessed by the name, but at Peopleside, we are all about the PEOPLE part of our work. We focus on training and coaching folks on lean, agile, and organizational change to sidestep the robotic tendencies of typical corporate culture. We want your people to shine!
A well-oiled machine is great and all, but the people working on your project aren’t machines.
So, let’s talk about what a people-centric approach could look like for your team and ask,
How do you support and promote the human side of your projects while delivering incredible results?
Foster a Positive Work Environment
Creating a positive work environment is essential to building a high-performing team. This includes promoting open communication, showing appreciation for good work, and providing opportunities for growth and development as well as celebrating wins! Leaders should strive to create a workplace culture that values collaboration, trust, and respect.
You can begin to foster this sort of environment from the moment you kick off your project. In the Peopleside mini-course, “How to Evaluate if Agile Project Management is Right for Your Team,” you’ll find a module specifically dedicated to how you can kick off a project in a way that puts people first. There’s even an assignment to walk you through creating your own Project Team Kickoff deck/presentation.
Communicate Effectively
Clear and effective communication is key to successful project management. Leaders should establish open channels of communication and encourage team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular team meetings, status updates, and progress reports can help keep everyone informed and aligned.
Agile meetings are a great tool for getting team members, leaders, and stakeholders on the same page. Was that a collective groan I heard at the mention of the word meetings? Meetings, as they are often conducted, are highly unproductive. But Agile meetings have the power to save you time and save your team from burnout. Scouts honor! Check out the free eBook, “Key Agile Meeting Guide” to get started.
Build Trust
Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Leaders should demonstrate transparency and honesty, set clear expectations, and lead by example. When team members trust each other, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and take ownership of their work.
Genuine connection breeds trust. Healthy Convo Co, a company I absolutely love, believes that connection is the element missing from the wellness world. Well, when I encounter a dysfunctional project team, connection is often the missing element there, too! As the leader, you are the one that must create space for connection on your team. “Working Together: Conversations for Cultivating Workplace Wellbeing” features over 150 questions that span 6 workplace appropriate categories. Grab a pack and bust ‘em out at your next meeting or mentorship session.
Empower Team Members
Empowering team members means giving them the autonomy and resources they need to do their best work. Leaders should delegate responsibilities and trust their team members to make decisions and solve problems. This helps build a sense of ownership among team members.
Giving your team the tools they need to shine doesn’t just mean handing them a laptop equipped with the right software they need to do their work. It could mean giving them the time to earn relevant certifications, reduce their stress/burnout, or get clear on priorities. A great place to start? Encouraging them to start an accountability journey.
Join an accountability cohort.
Celebrate Success
Celebrating success is an important part of building a high-performing team. Leaders should recognize and reward team members for their achievements, both big and small. This helps build morale, motivation, and a sense of pride in the team's work.
Keep in mind, the way you celebrate successes may differ from the way your team wants to. So, ask them! I LOVE building this conversation into project kick offs. We’re already talking about what good looks like on the project…why not also talk about what we’ll do to celebrate when we reach our goal?! What a motivator! Once you’ve gathered all the celebration ideas, put it to a vote. One of my recent cohorts in the 14-Week Accountability Program voted to celebrate a successful quarter by busting open a treat-filled piñata. I mean, how fun is that?
People-centric project management is about creating an environment that enables team members to work together effectively and achieve their goals. By prioritizing the well-being, communication, and collaboration of team members, leaders can build high-performing teams that deliver successful projects.
