Form Fit?

 

Every one knows that project teams go through predictable stages of team development--forming, storming, norming, performing and, on occasion, mourning--but how can you, as a project manager, get your team off to the right start?

It all begins with your preparation for the kick-off meeting. This is when you begin to set the stage for the entire development of the team. Have you selected the right team? Have you been trained in being an effective facilitator? Have you and the sponsor prepared a charter that outlines clear direction, limits and priorities for the project? Does the project have support? Are you committed to making the project and the people on the project a success? Do you have a plan for leading the team through the project management process? Do you have a plan for the team process? Do you have a toolbox of team tools to use in helping the team brainstorm new ideas, organize and analyze those ideas and then make sound decisions?

The kick-off meeting is the beginning of the planning phase of the project and it also marks the beginning of the first stage of team development: forming. Forming is about three things: Who, Why and You. The team is concerned about who the other members of the team are--what are they like? How will they get along? Will they like me? Will I like them? They need to get to know their other team members and they need to know what rules …

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