Manage Team

 

Manage Team (with Examples)

1. Introduction to Managing a Team

• Managing a team = Handling conflicts, tracking performance, and ensuring productivity.
• A project manager’s primary role = Managing people to do work efficiently.
• Where there are people, there will be conflict.
• Example:
  • A software development team has disagreements over which framework to use (React or Angular). The project manager must mediate and resolve the conflict.

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2. Key Responsibilities in Managing a Team

✅ Tracking Team Performance – Monitor if team members are meeting expectations.
✅ Providing Feedback – Offer constructive criticism and praise to improve performance.
✅ Resolving Conflicts – Address disputes before they escalate.
✅ Managing Team Changes – Adapt to team shifts, resource changes, and personnel issues.
✅ Ensuring Team Morale – Motivate and engage the team to perform at their best.

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3. Conflict Management in Projects

• Conflict is inevitable, but how a project manager handles it determines project success.
• Main cause of conflicts:
  • Disagreements between functional managers and project managers (resource allocation issues).
  • Differences in working styles, schedules, or priorities.

Five Conflict Resolution Strategies

1️⃣ Problem-Solving (Confronting) – Best Approach

• Find the root cause and develop a mutually beneficial solution (Win-Win).
• Example:
  • Two developers argue about using a cloud-based vs. on-premise server.
  • The PM helps them evaluate both options and choose a hybrid solution that satisfies both.

2️⃣ Forcing – Worst Approach

• One person wins, and the other loses, which creates resentment (Win-Lose).
• Example:
  • The PM orders the team to use a specific technology without discussion, leading to frustration.

3️⃣ Compromising – Temporary Solution

• Both parties give up something (Lose-Lose).
• Example:
  • A designer and developer disagree on UX design.
  • They meet halfway, but neither is fully satisfied.

4️⃣ Smoothing – Avoids the Issue

• Downplays conflict, but the problem remains.
• Example:
  • A team member is consistently late, but the PM ignores it to avoid confrontation.

5️⃣ Withdrawal – Avoids Conflict Entirely

• One side gives up, and the conflict remains unresolved.
• Example:
  • A senior developer walks away from a disagreement, leading to future resentment.

🚀 Best Strategy: Always aim for Problem-Solving (Win-Win).

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4. Steps to Resolve Conflicts Effectively

1️⃣ Define the Problem – Identify what the conflict is really about.
2️⃣ Analyze the Cause – Use Root Cause Analysis (Ishikawa/Fishbone Diagram).
3️⃣ Brainstorm Solutions – Allow the team to suggest potential solutions.
4️⃣ Select & Implement the Best Solution – Choose an option that benefits the project.
5️⃣ Review & Confirm – Ensure the conflict does not resurface.

Example:

• Problem: A tester complains that developers are not following the test plan.
• Analysis: Developers were not properly trained on the testing framework.
• Solution: The PM arranges a workshop to align both teams.

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5. Emotional Intelligence & Leadership in Managing Teams

✅ Emotional Intelligence (EQ):

• Understanding how emotions impact team performance.
• Being able to calm conflicts before they escalate.

✅ Effective Leadership:

• Inspiring and motivating team members.
• Listening actively and making fair decisions.
• Encouraging collaboration rather than competition.

✅ Decision Making:

• A project manager must make tough calls in disputes, risks, and planning.
• Example:
  • If a vendor delays critical supplies, the PM decides whether to wait or switch vendors.

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6. Why Managing a Team is Crucial

• A project manager does not do the work.
• A project manager manages people to get the work done.
• Poor team management = Poor project outcomes.

Example:

• A well-managed development team delivers a software product on time.
• A poorly managed team suffers from conflicts, delays, and low morale.

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Key Takeaway: Great Project Managers = Great People Managers

• Strong teams = Successful projects.
• Handle conflicts early to avoid delays and disengagement.
• Motivated and aligned teams perform at their best! 🚀