Essential Skills and Practices
In program management, building, and leading effective program teams is essential for delivering successful projects. The success of a project depends on the collective effort of a team, and the program manager’s role is to bring together a diverse group of people and develop a high-performing team. Effective program teams are critical to ensuring that the program meets its objectives and delivers the expected benefits.
This is the latest post is one of several in the series I have focused on Program Management Fundamentals
Build an effective program team
To build an effective program team, the program manager must possess essential skills and practices. These skills and practices include:
Leadership:
Effective program managers are leaders who can inspire and motivate their team members to achieve common goals. They lead by example, set clear expectations, and provide guidance to team members to ensure that they have the support they need to succeed.
Communication:
Communication is key to building and leading effective program teams. Program managers must communicate clearly and effectively with team members, stakeholders, and sponsors. They must ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the program’s goals, timelines, and expectations.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is critical to building effective program teams. Program managers must encourage collaboration between team members, facilitate open communication, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Emotional Intelligence:
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions and those of others. Effective program managers have high emotional intelligence, which helps them understand their team members’ perspectives, build relationships, and resolve conflicts.
Strategic Thinking:
Effective program managers must be strategic thinkers who can align the program’s objectives with the organization’s goals. They must have a clear understanding of the program’s value proposition and ensure that the program is aligned with the organization’s strategy.
Risk Management:
Effective program managers must be able to identify and manage risks to the program’s success. They must develop risk management plans and work with team members to mitigate risks and ensure that the program stays on track.
Leading an effective program team
To lead an effective program team, the program manager must also practice essential leadership skills, including:
- Setting clear goals and expectations for team members.
- Empowering team members to take ownership of their work.
- Encouraging creativity and innovation.
- Recognizing and rewarding team members for their contributions.
- Providing ongoing feedback and coaching to team members.
- Fostering a culture of trust, respect, and accountability.
Effective program teams are built on a foundation of trust, respect, and open communication. By developing essential skills and practices and practicing effective leadership, program managers can build high-performing teams that deliver successful projects.
Key Takeaways
Building and leading effective program teams is essential for program management success. By developing essential skills and practices and practicing effective leadership, program managers can build high-performing teams that deliver successful projects.
Best Practice Thinkers: Thought Leaders
If you have been reading my material for a while now, you will know how important it is to be Data-Backed, and that the science and research support my positions, therefore I have prepared for your reflection, here are some of the best thinkers in the space of program management and their works on developing a comprehensive program plan:
- “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable” by Patrick Lencioni
- “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
- “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
- “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink
- “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins
These authors offer insights into building and leading effective teams, and their books provide practical advice and strategies to help managers achieve this goal. Additionally, you may want to explore case studies of successful teams in your industry to identify best practices and lessons learned.
