Though few companies would deny the importance of the project team, there are a number of possible pitfalls in staffing a project. The most common are:
◾ No champion—Unfortunately, some projects are begun without a champion. This may not create major problems on a small, short-term project, but for anything of strategic importance to the company, it is essential that there be high-level sponsorship. Without it, the project’s chance of success is diminished. The champion, after all, is the one who breaks down barriers and obtains additional funding, if needed.
◾ An ineffective project manager—Champions should be vigilant when selecting project managers and should ensure that they possess the needed skills. Managers are sometimes chosen for political reasons, to give them experience needed for a promotion, or—worst of all—because they have more free time than anyone else. Although none of those precludes success, those should be only secondary considerations. What is critical is that whoever is chosen has the characteristics of a successful project manager discussed above.
◾ The wrong team members— The project manager may be the head of the team, but the individual members are its arms and legs. Selecting people who lack the needed skills and personal characteristics decreases the probability of success.
◾ Absence of the right people— This is acorollary to the previous point. Although the team might be staffed competently, if key individuals with unique knowledge and skills are not included, the project will suffer.
It bears repeating: projects do not happen without people, and — if the project is to be successful —it is essential that the right people be involved.
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