Team Building – How to Build Your Project Team

As project professionals, we often need to build and maintain effective teamwork. So, in this video, let’s look at how to do team building.

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Team Building Stages

Projects often start with a new group of people, who have not worked together. So, the first team-building task is to bring them together and start to create some team coherence.

Then, our team will go through a stage where more team building will help with deepening trust and mutual understanding. 

Once the team is performing well together, there will still be a need for maintaining and consolidating team spirit. 

Finally, we need to have some team-building tricks up our sleeves, for when team dynamics are breaking down. 

1. Team Formation: Building the Foundation

When forming a new team, focus on setting a strong foundation with clear expectations and relationships.

Key Actions

• Clarify Purpose & Roles: Define team goals, roles, and responsibilities clearly.
• Set Ground Rules: Establish norms for communication, decision-making, and collaboration.
• Break the Ice: Use structured conversations and team activities to help people get to know each other and foster initial connections.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Provide opportunities for team members to express their working styles, strengths, and concerns.

Team Building Activities

• Icebreaker games (e.g., “Two Truths and a Lie”)
• Strengths and skills mapping
• Vision-setting exercises

2. Trust & Understanding: Strengthening Bonds

Once the team is comfortable, deepen trust and build psychological safety.

Key Actions

• Encourage Open Feedback: Normalize constructive feedback through regular team check-ins.
• Develop Emotional Intelligence: Train team members on empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution.
• Enhance Collaboration: Introduce structured collaboration techniques (e.g., brainstorming, pair work).
• Create Shared Experiences: Encourage informal bonding opportunities.

Team Building Activities

• Trust-building exercises (e.g., “Blindfold Challenge”)
• Peer coaching or mentoring
• Conflict resolution workshops

3. Sustaining Team Spirit: Maintaining High Performance

As the team stabilizes, focus on sustaining motivation, engagement, and long-term effectiveness.

Key Actions

• Recognize & Celebrate Successes: Regularly acknowledge achievements.
• Adapt & Innovate: Keep refining work processes based on team feedback.
• Check Team Well-being: Maintain work-life balance and support individual growth.
• Refresh Team Energy: Avoid stagnation by introducing new challenges and learning opportunities.

Team Building Activities

• Team retrospectives and feedback loops
• Employee recognition programs
• Fun challenges or social events

4. Repairing Team Dynamics: When Things Go Wrong

If team morale drops or conflicts arise, take deliberate steps to rebuild cohesion.

Key Actions

• Diagnose Issues: Use anonymous surveys or one-on-one conversations to identify problems.
• Facilitate Open Conversations: Encourage honest but constructive discussions.
• Rebuild Trust: Implement conflict resolution strategies and mediation if necessary.
• Realign & Recommit: Clarify team purpose and reset expectations if needed.

Team Building Activities

• Conflict resolution workshops
• Team reset sessions (reflecting on challenges and moving forward)
• Strengths-based appreciation exercises

Recommended Videos to Help with Team Building

Carefully curated video recommendations for you:

• Project Team Leadership 101
• Real Project Team: What Will You Do to Create One? | Video
• Top 10 Ways to Make an Enthusiastic Team | Video
• 10 Ways to Say Thank You to Your Team | Video
• Team Refresh: 10 Ways to Give New Life to a Tired Team | Video
• How to Define Team Ground Rules | Video
• How to Set a Clear Vision and Mission for your Team | Video
• Build High-Performing Project Teams – Conversation with Charles Vivian

Recommended Articles to Help with Team Building

• Everything You Need to Know about How to Build a Great Project Team
• Do You Know the Four Essentials of Project Team Leadership?
• Project Team Performance: Boost it with 25 Powerful Strategies
• Effective Teamwork: Do You Know How to Make it Happen?
• Boost Your Team’s Success with 10 Effective Team Communication Tips
• The Tuckman  Model: How to Get Better Results from your Team
• Project Team Motivation [Everything You Need to Know]
• Difficult Team Members: A Guide to Managing the Top 10 Types

What Kit does a Project Manager Need?

I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list. I added my own. 

Check out the Kit a Project Manager needs

Note that the links are affiliated.

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