We often ask ourselves, what makes a project successful? Effective leadership isn’t just a one-step process and there is certainly not a single formular and many variables are usually at play. Here is our best shot in summarising what it takes to get a project across the line.

Here are the five key steps to lead a project team to success.

1. Alignment around goals, vision and values

Firstly, provide your team with clarity around vision, goals and values. Great leaders sum up their ideas in simple language so everyone knows what to expect. Sir Winston Churchill inspired his people with the “We will never surrender” speech. Martin Luther King’s “I had a Dream,” speech summed up his vision, goals and values to keep his followers inspired. So what is it that is truly great and valuable about your project? It is really important for project teams to understand not only what the finished product looks like but also what value it adds to the project sponsor and all other stakeholders.

2. Resources

Next, create an environment that allows teams to function efficiently by providing all the resources required to do the job. Investing in your team will motivate them to give their best. It shows you think they are worthy of their role and responsibilities.

3. Team Building & Bonding

Thirdly, build trust within your team and create a circle of safety where your team feels comfortable to admit mistakes and ask for help. An environment where team members hide, and fake must be avoided at all costs.

By making sure your team is empowered to learn from mistakes rather than covering them up, they will achieve far greater outcomes than someone who is paranoid of doing the wrong thing.  This process will take time but should not be missed.

4. Maintaining Focus

Once things get busy and as stress levels rise, priorities and the bigger picture of the project can get a little blurry. Redefine goals along the way and ensure focus is maintained on what really matters. People need regular reinforcement to ensure they keep their eye on the short and long-term goals. Don’t ever just leave a team to it but also never micromanage it.

5. Reward Success and be Accountable

Finally, credit your team for all successes and take responsibility for any failures.

As a leader, ego should come last as you reward a team for everything that goes well and stand accountable when things go wrong rather than shifting the blame.