How can you develop project management and planning skills for your team in the performing stage?

1 Define clear objectives and milestones

One of the first steps to develop your team's project management and planning skills is to define clear objectives and milestones for the project. This will help your team understand what they need to achieve, how they will measure their progress, and what are the expected outcomes. You can use tools like SMART goals, Gantt charts, or Kanban boards to set and communicate the objectives and milestones. You should also involve your team in the planning process, as this will increase their ownership, commitment, and accountability.

2 Delegate tasks and responsibilities

Another way to develop your team's project management and planning skills is to delegate tasks and responsibilities to them. This will allow them to use their strengths, learn new skills, and take initiative. You should also provide them with the necessary resources, guidance, and feedback to support their work. Delegating tasks and responsibilities will also free up your time to focus on the strategic aspects of the project, such as stakeholder management, risk analysis, and quality assurance.

3 Monitor and adjust the plan

A third tip to develop your team's project management and planning skills is to monitor and adjust the plan as the project progresses. You should track the performance, budget, and timeline of the project, and identify any issues, gaps, or changes that might affect the project. You should also review the plan regularly with your team, and solicit their input, feedback, and suggestions. This will help you to address any problems, celebrate any achievements, and adapt the plan to the changing circumstances.

4 Encourage collaboration and communication

A fourth tip to develop your team's project management and planning skills is to encourage collaboration and communication among them. You should foster a culture of trust, respect, and openness in your team, where everyone can share their ideas, opinions, and concerns. You should also use effective communication tools and channels, such as email, phone, video conferencing, or instant messaging, to keep your team informed, engaged, and connected. Collaboration and communication will help your team to coordinate their efforts, solve problems, and learn from each other.

5 Recognize and reward achievements

A fifth tip to develop your team's project management and planning skills is to recognize and reward their achievements. You should acknowledge and appreciate their hard work, creativity, and contributions to the project. You should also provide them with constructive feedback, recognition, and incentives, such as praise, bonuses, or career opportunities. Recognizing and rewarding achievements will help your team to feel valued, motivated, and satisfied with their work.

6 Provide learning and development opportunities

A sixth tip to develop your team's project management and planning skills is to provide them with learning and development opportunities. You should identify their strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and offer them relevant training, coaching, or mentoring. You should also encourage them to seek feedback, learn from their mistakes, and pursue their professional goals. Providing learning and development opportunities will help your team to improve their knowledge, skills, and confidence, and prepare them for future challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?