Building trust through clear communication, effective management, and personal attention is crucial for successful large-scale project teams.
In my experience leading large-scale projects, I have found that the success of complex, multidisciplinary project teams is built on a solid foundation of trust. While it is the responsibility of leadership to continually manage the interrelated “pillars” of a project – the client’s needs, the schedule, and the overall project goals – a positive dynamic among the larger team is key to this process and delivery. To foster this environment, leadership must prioritize transparent and robust communications through the team’s structure, management tools, and collaboration.
Communication is key. To create confidence among team members from the outset of a project, it is important to establish a clear communication structure and define roles and responsibilities. Complex projects bring together many professionals with a wide range of experience levels and skills, all focused on different, interrelated tasks throughout a project’s life cycle. Managing such a team can be one of the greatest challenges for leaders, particularly in today’s industry climate where staff can be spread across various locations and time zones. Additionally, these projects have long lifespans and as a result routinely experience staff turnover. Regular meetings keep communication channels open and motivate team members by allowing each to have a voice, ownership, and a stake in the responsibility of the project delivery. Providing sub-teams with broad access to information and resources allows them to perform effectively and to feel prepared when unexpected situations arise. Furthermore, leveraging technology and developing processes and protocols to keep information organized across multiple channels eliminates bottlenecks and stopgaps in the process.
Management techniques. As the project develops and the client needs, schedule, and project goals evolve in relation to one another, effective management tactics can not only ensure that a project remains on track, but also promote a sense of stability and confidence within the team. Large-scale projects often take years to design, develop, and complete. Creating detailed work plans that outline goals and the pathways to achieve success are crucial to streamlining the workload, helping team members to instill trust in one another and in the process. Projects of this scale frequently involve multiple clients, each with specific and sometimes conflicting needs. It is important to balance and prioritize these needs while maintaining a holistic view, keeping the team, including the clients, united around the overall project goals. Leadership must also facilitate timely decision-making: pushing clients sufficiently to keep the project moving while providing enough space to consider options.
A personal touch. Encouraging interpersonal relationships is also an important part of a solid team environment. Cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing empower team members to deepen their expertise while strengthening bonds with others. Team-building activities (both in and out of the office) promote camaraderie. Celebrating successes, milestones, and contributions helps all team members to feel appreciated throughout the phases of a long-term project. It is also crucial for leadership to welcome feedback and to stay open to continuous adjustments.
The culture of trust. A team culture rooted in trust can serve as an anchor when a large project’s schedule, client needs, and project goals inevitably become fluid. To be successful, this culture must be modeled by leadership and demonstrated by example, focusing on open communication, robust management techniques, and personal attention and collaboration. These practices lead to an atmosphere where team members feel free to voice their opinions, take risks, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
Amy Patel, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP is a principal at FXCollaborative. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
