Having a common goal, working in a team and building relationships with the team members are necessary conditions when planning a research project.
For a project manager is mandatory to know how to relate to the internal dynamics of a group. It is also important having knowledge of the techniques and strategies required to set a common goal.
The Agile methodology was firstly developed for the software industry. The task was to optimize and improve the development process and to try to identify and quickly correct problems and defects.
This methodology allows to provide a better output through short and interactive sessions / sprints.
In the field of project management, the Agile methodology gives teams, sponsors, project managers and customers many specific advantages, including:
- Faster implementation of solutions;
- Waste reduction thanks to the minimization of the resources;
- Greater flexibility and adaptability to change;
- More success thanks to more focused efforts;
- Faster delivery times;
- Faster detection of problems and defects;
- Optimized development processes;
- A lighter/less complicated structure;
- Excellent project control;
- Greater attention to specific customer needs;
- Increased collaboration frequency and feedback.
We interviewed Lorenzo Vetrano, Agile Coach (Bax Energy), one of the speakers of the first edition of ISPM.
Hi Lorenzo, which are the key elements to build a team?
The first step is to insert the right balanced mix of resources into the team.
To do that you should:
- Know goals as a SMART objective. (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely)
- Have a detailed Skills matrix for all available members
- Have Careers paths of all available members
It depends from the context, you could think to select a team leader or you could ask to the team to nominate one.
Don’t you have all of these?! The risk of failing increases!
The next steps are:
- Training
- Inspect and adapt during all days
- Empowering and accountability of the team. The team can decide.
How do you elaborate a motivational plan?
People need to be involved into the creational process.
The goals should be shared with all of them: they should know that the little piece they are working on is part of a big picture and part of the success.
How do you overcome challenges at work?
Discipline! Decompose the goal to smaller pieces.
Lorenzo
Discipline is choosing what you want most.
For this reason, the methodology to reach the goal is important, but it is also relevant the experience of the people involved.
Mind stages of Team Development:
