IPM.SP 1.6 Establish Teams

The project is managed using teams that reflect the organizational rules and guidelines for team structuring, formation, and operation. (See the definition of “team” in the glossary.)

The project’s shared vision is established prior to establishing the team structure, which can be based on the WBS. For small organizations, the whole organization and relevant external stakeholders can be treated as a team.

One of the best ways to ensure coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders is to include them on the team. For projects in a system of systems framework, the most important team may be with stakeholders representing other systems.

Example Work Products

1. Documented shared vision
2. List of members assigned to each team
3. Team charters
4. Periodic team status reports

Subpractices

1. Establish and maintain the project’s shared vision.

When creating a shared vision, it is critical to understand the interfaces between the project and stakeholders external to the project. The vision should be shared among relevant stakeholders to obtain their agreement and commitment.

2. Establish and maintain the team structure.

The project WBS, cost, schedule, project risks, resources, interfaces, the project’s defined process, and organizational guidelines are evaluated to establish an appropriate team structure, including team responsibilities, authorities, and interrelationships.

3. Establish and maintain each team.

Establishing and maintaining teams encompasses choosing team leaders and team members and establishing team charters for each team. It also involves providing resources required to accomplish tasks assigned to the team.

4. Periodically evaluate the team structure and composition.

Teams should be monitored to detect misalignment of work across different teams, mismanaged interfaces, and mismatches of tasks to team members. Take corrective action when team or project performance does not meet expectations.