Time management is rough enough when you’re working on a project on your own. However, most projects you will work on as a leader will, or at least should, involve team collaboration. As a kind leader, you know that micromanaging your team members is not only a bad way to effectively get the job done, it’s also a recipe for irritating your team. However, you also know that the only way to get the project done right is to make sure that your efforts are well coordinated and that everyone is managing their time well enough to get the job done. The good news is balancing these twin concerns is a lot simpler than you may be making it in your head. Here’s some simple but effective tips to ensure that all of you are on the same page, and that you complete your project quickly and well while still being on speaking terms at the end!
1. Make your expectations of outcomes clear. I know this is a cliche, but begin with the end in mind. Make sure everyone is on the same page, then entertain concerns or make changes as needed.
2. Determine who is responsible for what. Since a team project by definition is too large, complicated, or effects too many people to be handled by one team member, labor must be divided according to people’s abilities and free time. Don’t be afraid to reassess and reassign if needed.
3. Trust your team members to do their part, while keeping their individual strengths and challenges in mind. You know who are the self-starters, and who is more effective with a more hands-on approach. Handle your project management process accordingly.
Time management with a team project can seem a bit intimidating. That’s especially for those who get flashbacks to 9th grade group projects where we, the conscientious folks who tend to end up with careers in education, often ended up doing about 80% of the work. 😉 However, if you have a good plan and use your common sense, time management in a collaborative context can save all of you a lot of angst.
