In the context of PRINCE2 7, effective team management is elevated through the specific 'People' element, recognizing that projects are fundamentally human endeavors. Unlike previous editions that focused heavily on process, PRINCE2 7 explicitly integrates people management into the methodology, em…In the context of PRINCE2 7, effective team management is elevated through the specific 'People' element, recognizing that projects are fundamentally human endeavors. Unlike previous editions that focused heavily on process, PRINCE2 7 explicitly integrates people management into the methodology, emphasizing that the interaction between the project management team and stakeholders is critical for success.
Effective team management begins with establishing a culture of collaboration and co-creation. This means involving the team in planning and decision-making to build ownership, rather than simply assigning tasks. The Project Manager must adopt a situational leadership approach, adapting their style—whether directive, coaching, supporting, or delegating—to fit the capability and maturity of the team members and the specific context of the project.
Crucially, PRINCE2 7 highlights the importance of psychological safety. Managers must create an environment where team members feel safe to report issues, suggest improvements, or admit errors without fear of blame. This directly supports the principle of 'Learn from Experience.' Furthermore, effective management involves navigating the diverse relationships defined in the project management team structure, ensuring clear communication channels between the business, user, and supplier interests.
Finally, managing the team requires a focus on well-being and motivation. By understanding individual drivers and managing change effectively, the Project Manager ensures the team remains resilient. Ultimately, effective team management in PRINCE2 7 is about aligning human effort with the business justification, ensuring that the team is not just delivering products, but is actively engaged in realizing value for the organization.
Effective Team Management in PRINCE2 Practitioner v7
Why it is Important In PRINCE2 7th Edition, People are recognized as a central, integrated element that sits alongside Principles, Practices, and Processes. Projects are inherently cross-functional and temporary, bringing together individuals with different skills and backgrounds. Without Effective Team Management, even the most perfect application of processes will fail. It is crucial for ensuring that the project team is cohesive, motivated, and aligned with the project's objectives to deliver the required products within agreed tolerances.
What it is Effective Team Management involves the activities and soft skills required to transform a group of disparate individuals into a high-performing unit. It encompasses leadership, motivation, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution. In the context of PRINCE2, it is about balancing the hard skills of process management (delegating Work Packages) with the soft skills of people management (building trust and facilitating communication).
How it Works PRINCE2 suggests utilizing established frameworks and principles to manage teams: 1. Team Development Models: You must understand where the team is in its lifecycle, often referenced using Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning). The Project Manager must adapt their leadership style depending on the current stage. 2. Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Effective teams require clear boundaries. The Project Initiation Documentation (PID) sets the baseline for who does what, reducing role ambiguity. 3. Culture and Collaboration: Creating a culture of honest feedback and trust. This involves using the Communication Management Approach to ensure stakeholders and team members are engaged, not just informed.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Effective Team Management When answering Practitioner questions regarding people and team management, follow these guidelines:
1. Identify the Team Stage: Look for clues in the Scenario or Additional Information. If team members are arguing about how to do things, they are likely in the Storming phase. If they are working autonomously and anticipating issues, they are in the Performing phase. Select the management action that fits the stage (e.g., high direction during Forming/Storming, high delegation during Performing).
2. Distinguish between Process and People: Some questions ask about the process (e.g., 'What document records this?') while others ask about people management (e.g., 'How should the Project Manager resolve this conflict?'). Ensure your answer addresses the human element if the question focuses on team dynamics.
3. Reference the Principles: Even in people management, the 7 Principles apply. For example, if a Team Manager is micromanaged, this violates the principle of Manage by Exception. If the team is confused about authority, it violates Defined Roles and Responsibilities.
4. Check for 'Silo' behavior: A common negative scenario in exams is a team working in isolation. The correct answer often involves facilitating better communication channels or workshops, rather than simply issuing more strict Work Packages.