How can you ensure your team feels valued during project planning?

In project planning, recognising the unique contributions of multidisciplinary teams is key. As a project manager, you are often not the subject matter expert; you are a facilitator of collaboration ??. By emphasising open communication and valuing every team member’s input, projects benefit from the diversity of thought ??. It’s a priority for project managers to create an environment where all ideas are considered, fostering inclusivity and innovation ??. Actively engaging with and appreciating each team member’s expertise, you build a project culture where everyone feels valued and integral to the collective success ??.

Planning is one of the key aspects of the project. In this stage, every team member must be involved from the requirements gathering, risk assessment to the baseline freezing phase to make sure that every step and area are fully covered. Making sure that every team member has fully understood the outcomes and gave their opinions, insights, and suggestions for improvement is the key.

Involve the Team Early: From my experience, involving the team at the earliest stages of project planning has proven to be immensely beneficial. When team members are included in brainstorming sessions and initial planning meetings, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the project’s success. This early involvement allows them to share their unique insights and ideas, which often leads to innovative solutions that might not have been considered otherwise. I make it a point to ensure that everyone has a voice from the start, as this fosters a collaborative atmosphere and sets a strong foundation for the project.

Celebrate your team wins. Too many times the work is always constant and it takes time to pull yourself away. As a leader, you should make a point to capture wins in your weekly meetings or at an appropriate team activity every week. Have an agenda item during your team meeting to share team member wins and have the team call out others who may not want to share their successes. This can form a team bond, spark innovation, improve morale and just make it an enjoyable place to work.

This involves seeking their opinions, insights, and suggestions for improvement, and incorporating their ideas. Evaluating the planning process with the team helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for future projects. This approach demonstrates openness, humility, and a collaborative spirit, underscoring the value placed on continuous learning and development. Engaging team feedback is crucial for fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. This practice not only enhances project outcomes but also empowers each member, reinforcing their significance within the team and promoting a sense of ownership and commitment to collective success.