Anatomy of a Strong Project Management Team

The project management sector is predominantly team-based. Projects big and small require a diverse mix of thinking, skills and experience that comes only from a team structure. And projects succeed when team members are able to bring their unique perspectives to the table while collaborating with others. A strong project management team isn’t defined by the various job titles that make up the team but by the team members’ character and values. Here are three essential character types all teams need. 

The Empathetic Leader 

A leadership role in project management is broken into two tasks: leading a project and leading a team. Both require empathy. A strong, caring leader will empower those around them while creating a safe workspace and moving the needle toward success. An insensitive leader, however, tends to create chaos, uncertainty and a harsh work environment. 

An empathetic leader is crucial for setting a precedent of grace and compassion. Operating from a place of understanding creates an environment for team members to be human—where they are able to create excellent work while knowing that it isn't life or death if they make a mistake, and where they can see one another through an empathetic lens they may not have operated from before. When team members feel safe, heard and appreciated, both team function and project operations improve. 

The Risk-Taker 

Typically, a team chooses to operate with one accord. Decisions are made with at least some discussion, and in certain scenarios they are made fully as a team. However, because teams are made up of diverse thinkers, not everyone will agree, have the same thoughts or think outside the box. Operating as one unit is the premise of a team, but the team shouldn’t shut down a risky idea if a team member puts one out there. 

This is where the risk-taker is important. Project management is a fairly tactical analytical field, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for risk. A spreadsheet and a set of formulas can give you crucial information but it can’t make the decision for you. The risk-taker is valuable because they can look at data, think strategically and make a risky decision—one that often moves the project forward, faster. 

The Anchor 

In any team structure, the anchor is the person who stands firm in the organization’s and the team’s core values. The anchor is an essential part of keeping themselves, the team and the project grounded. Through chaos, mistakes and approaching deadlines, the anchor functions as a crucial piece in the team’s success. Without the anchor, there is room for the team to veer from a project’s end goal. There is also a greater chance of team members venturing further away from the organization’s operations and values. The anchor is the key to keeping the team aligned and stable. 

Teams come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there are several key aspects that are crucial for success. People who show empathy, kindness and understanding are the backbone of any strong project management team. Every team needs an empathetic leader, a risk-taker and an anchor. Do you know who fills these roles on your team?