successful project management - Commonwealth of Learning

vi. Members being unable to manage time
Some members keep on procrastinating even when there are deadlines. They work
on tasks other than those prescribed by the project. Actual work on critical tasks will
suffer.
vii. Overcommitted to equally important tasks
In addition to the project, members will have other regular responsibilities. Individuals
with critical skills and knowledge are spread thinly.
viii. There is skills gap
This happens when in the middle of the project, the project manager discovers that
some members lack certain skills, or that none of the team members possesses
some of the key skills.
ix. The quality of a team member’s work is inadequate
This may mean the work has to be re-done or fails to meet expectations. This can be
a drawback to progress.
?? Activity
Examine each of the foregoing more closely, and with reference to your situation,
suggest:
• how each one occurs;
• the potential impact of each one;
• how you can prevent the problem; and how you can address the problem
if it arises.
Key Points to Remember
You will have noted that there are many ideas about teamwork that the supervisor
should be aware of so as to maximise production. In addition to those you listed
above, the following were also covered.
• The link between production and teamwork.
• Communication in solving a problem as a team.
• The supervisor’s role in team building.
• Communication style and team building.
• Accomplishing a task as a team.
• Moving towards a team culture.
• Getting to know the individual team member.
• Conflict management.
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