PMP® Concepts series: Team Dynamics

By: Hammam Elmahi

Introduction

The PMBOK^® Guide, 7^th Edition (PMP Reference) identifies 12 practices/principles that project practitioners need to master, in order to become more productive and deliver successful projects, it represents a part of the PMI framework for project management.

One of these principles is to ‘’create a collaborative project team environment’’. This environment can help the project’s team to complete their task at an optimum level because they have what is required from resources to empowerment. In addition to this environment, a project manager needs to work on the team dynamics and culture. In this essay, I will explain the team dynamics and culture and how project managers can adopt these concepts in their projects.

Definition of Team Dynamics:

Team dynamics refer to the interactions, relationships, and behaviours among team members that influence how the team operates and performs (PMI-PMP® 2022). Project managers should understand and manage their team interactions of roles within the team, the relationship between team members and how it affects the project tasks, and the extent to which members’ behaviour affects the team performance positively or negatively.

Why Team Dynamics important in projects:

Because it will critically impact the project deliverables and success, also will influence team performance. In my PMP® courses, I start by explaining the stakeholders and communication after setting the scene of the work environment (business acumen), because when learners understand that the project manager and the team are the core project stakeholders, they can comprehend how to manage tasks, utilize tools and techniques easily. I usually use the power/interest grid and consider where we can locate project teams and managers.

Develop positive team dynamics:

To develop positive team dynamics that enable a successful project, you should create an effective team culture that is comprehensive, encouraging, helpful, and empowering. This culture should ensure the team is enthusiastic to help achieve project objectives, empowered, dependable and reliable to support the achievement of goals. Above that, an effective team culture should provide sufficient resources and context.

For example, as a project manager you ask the team to develop their processes for a specific task, then discuss how that will benefit the project objective before approving it, this will emphasise trust in your team and will empower them to collaborate with each other’s.

Predictive & Agile team dynamics:

For PMP® exam learners should understand team dynamics and how it can be applied in different development approaches. In the predictive approach, which is also known as plan-driven, team dynamics involved teamwork efforts in different aspects. For instance, a project manager can facilitate brainstorming sessions among his team to plan for risk and solve issues, effective team dynamics can support controlling a project effort and avoiding unnecessary changes and impediments.

In Agile approach, aka change-driven, the deliverable is released in increments or iterations, by a self-organised team. The team dynamics are critical here because the frequent delivery system requires full collaboration among the team and a competent servant leader to follow up with the team’s performance. Not to mention, the Agile principle: ‘’Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done’’.

PMP Exam tip: study Bruce Tuckman 5 stages of team formation which are forming, storming, norming, performing. Remember, a team can move between stages back & forth along the project.

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Conclusion:

To create a positive team dynamic, empower the team, and give them trust, so they can operate and innovate. The Supporting environment is the key that will allow the team to work more effectively. Let the team develop their own work techniques to get by in, and always work with empathy.