Process: Develop Team
Process Group: Executing
Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management
Purpose
The Develop Team process focuses on improving team performance, collaboration, and competencies throughout the project. It involves activities that enhance trust, reduce conflict, build team cohesion, and align individual and team goals with project objectives.
Inputs
- Project Management Plan – Especially the resource management plan, which outlines team development strategies.
- Project Documents – Includes lessons learned register, project schedule, team assignments, and team charter.
- Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) – Organizational culture, HR policies, and reward systems.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – Training materials, performance evaluations, and historical team data.
Tools and Techniques
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Colocation – Placing team members in the same physical location to promote collaboration.
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Virtual Teams – Using tools and techniques to build cohesion among geographically dispersed teams.
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Communication Technology – Collaboration platforms, video conferencing, chat tools, etc.
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Interpersonal and Team Skills
- Conflict management
- Emotional intelligence
- Influencing
- Motivation
- Team-building activities
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Recognition and Rewards – Acknowledging individual and team contributions to foster motivation.
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Training – Improving technical and interpersonal skills.
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Individual and Team Assessments – Tools to evaluate team performance, styles, and alignment.
Outputs
- Team Performance Assessments – Evaluations of how well the team is functioning and progressing.
- Change Requests – Triggered if team development activities reveal issues requiring adjustments.
- Project Management Plan Updates – Especially to the resource management and team development strategies.
- Project Document Updates – Revisions to the lessons learned register, team charter, and project schedule.
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- In the Executing Process Group, Develop Team ensures that the team is capable, aligned, and motivated to perform project work.
- As part of Project Resource Management, it plays a key role in maximizing team efficiency, morale, and collaboration.
Why It Matters
- Boosts Productivity – High-performing teams deliver better results faster.
- Reduces Turnover and Conflict – Development fosters commitment and cohesion.
- Enhances Collaboration – Encourages communication, trust, and accountability.
- Drives Project Success – Motivated, aligned teams are more likely to meet project goals.