How do you lead IT project teams to success?

1 Define the scope and goals

The first step to lead IT project teams to success is to clearly define the scope and goals of the project. What is the problem you are trying to solve? What are the expected outcomes and benefits? How will you measure success? These questions should be answered in a project charter or a statement of work, and agreed upon by all the key stakeholders. This will help you avoid scope creep, manage expectations, and align your team with the project vision.

2 Choose the right methodology

The next step to lead IT project teams to success is to choose the right methodology for the project. There are different approaches to IT project management, such as waterfall, agile, scrum, or hybrid. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the nature, size, and complexity of the project. You should consider factors such as the level of uncertainty, the degree of flexibility, the frequency of feedback, and the team size and skills when selecting a methodology. You should also document and communicate the roles, responsibilities, processes, and tools that will be used in the project.

3 Build a high-performing team

The third step to lead IT project teams to success is to build a high-performing team. This means selecting the right people for the right tasks, based on their skills, experience, and availability. It also means fostering a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration among the team members, and providing them with the necessary resources, training, and support. You should also encourage communication, feedback, and recognition within the team, and resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise.

4 Plan and monitor the project

The fourth step to lead IT project teams to success is to plan and monitor the project. This means breaking down the project into manageable tasks, assigning them to the team members, and setting realistic deadlines and milestones. It also means tracking the progress, performance, and quality of the project, using tools such as Gantt charts, dashboards, or reports. You should also identify and mitigate any risks, issues, or changes that may affect the project scope, schedule, budget, or quality.

5 Communicate effectively

The fifth step to lead IT project teams to success is to communicate effectively. This means keeping all the stakeholders informed, engaged, and aligned throughout the project lifecycle. You should also tailor your communication style, frequency, and channel to the needs and preferences of each stakeholder group, such as the sponsors, the clients, the users, or the vendors. You should also use clear, concise, and consistent language, and avoid jargon or technical terms that may cause confusion or misunderstanding.

6 Deliver and evaluate the project

The sixth and final step to lead IT project teams to success is to deliver and evaluate the project. This means ensuring that the project meets the agreed scope, goals, and quality standards, and that it is delivered on time and within budget. It also means obtaining the acceptance and approval of the stakeholders, and handing over the project deliverables, documentation, and support. You should also conduct a project review or a lessons learned session, to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the project, and to capture the best practices, feedback, and recommendations for future improvement.

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?