How to Put Together a Great Team for New Initiatives

A good project team requires more than technical skills. Here are some principles to guide you on team selection: 

1. Less is more

Fewer of the right people is much better than more of the wrong ones. When it comes to team selection, quality trumps quantity. For example, a team could comprise of only 4 people. Each member of the team understands the project’s direction and their role. This team will work more efficiently than an over-staffed team.

2. Availability is key

Are the people you have chosen available 100 percent for your project? If not, will they be able to multi-task on your project and manage other activities? It is important to talk to the individuals rather than their managers to fully understand what is their level of commitment to the project.

3. Attitude counts

It is better to have fewer highly motivated individuals on the team than many less motivated people. If there is a need to choose between skills and attitude, go for attitude. A team member who has good work ethics and respects others can uphold team spirit while a cynic can spoil the entire team’s outlook and morale.