Managing group projects can be a trying task. However, there are many strategies you can use to adequately manage how workers collaborate.

Management Tactics – Working Together, Better

For the Harvard Business Journal, Amy Jen Su pointed out some of these strategies while recognizing that people shouldn’t have to collaborate for the sake of collaborating.

First, Su believes that you shouldn’t put up with lazy team members if a mission-vital project is on the line.

Su argues that the reasons why people collaborate are because “no one person has the best ideas.”

When addressing a complex problem, typically a small work group will be pitted into scenarios that can become overwhelming. This diminishes productivity and output leaving a final product that could’ve been improved on in a variety of ways.

Nevertheless, when including more than just a few similar, and totally opposite, schools of thought and personal perspectives, the end result can be a multifaceted product that was built by a multifaceted team.

Showing respect for others shows you respect yourself and your work.

Having differing perspectives isn’t the only thing that is important for an effective team. You have to be respectful of people’s opinions and time to ensure that a mutual state of trust and willing collaboration exists.

When managing your team, you also have to be open to give and take with members. Open discussion and “reaping the value of others’ thinking” is a process that requires the most basic courtesy — listening while making it a safe environment for others to share their views.

Only then can you facilitate a conversation on the best outcomes for the project. And, if someone disagrees with your direction, humbly ask why and hear what they have to say.

Typically, collaboration on a project also comes with the shared responsibility of regulating one’s personal, outward attitudes.

Keep in mind at the end of the project, as well, that since you served as the team leader, you may be given the majority of the credit for the final project. It is your responsibility to recognize the team members who you worked with by revealing their involvement, their contributions, etc.

What are your tips for team working and managing a team? Let us know in the comments below.

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