If you, as a project manager, have been asked to create a team for a project you have been put in charge of, it is likely you're already considering who is going to be on your team. The problem is, there are so many different ways to choose your group it can be difficult to know which method provides you with the best combination.
Choosing The Team
Skills
It is so important you select the best people for this particular job. Try not to judge their skills on past projects or experiences with them and instead judge their skill set against this particular project. So rather than looking for the person who has attended the most project management training courses or has the most PM qualifications in general, look for the person with the most qualifications and experience relevant to your project.
In terms of the entire team, you will need a really good selection of skills to work with, so be sure to look for a good variety of abilities when selecting your team. When you think you have the right team selection, list all the key skills and experience you need for the project and match each person to the skill. If a skill or ability has not been accounted for, think about how you're going to fill that gap. Is it a skill a current team member could learn quickly, or has one of the team expressed an interest in learning? Is it a specialist skill you could hire a freelancer for? It may be a bridge you can gap without increasing the team. If it isn't, look at adding an extra team member.
Rapour
It is important your team get along, and one way to ensure that happens is to avoid hiring anyone who has a history of being a gossip, being overly dramatic or just not getting along with people in a professional way. Sometimes there's no avoiding strong personalities, but there is a way to avoid people who don't want to get along with others - it isn't worth the 'one bad apple' effect.
Response To Your Working Style
Every project manager will have a certain project management framework or methodology they lean towards and work well with. Some team members might be familiar with certain ways of working and some won't. Although you are the project manager so you can lead your team anyway you want, it is worth noting that not everyone responds to every methodology well. So try to keep that in mind when you choose the team. Perhaps you want to use SCRUM and you know certain employees in the company have the skills you need and work very well under the pressure of SCRUM. Those who respond to your working style well could be a great fit.
If you feel unsure about selecting your project team, consider seeking advice from a mentor or member of senior management who can lend support. Alternatively, invest in some project management training to top up your skills and experience.
