You're in charge of a project team for a new project. What are your first steps to get the team going and complete the project?
"Well, if I was unfamiliar with the team, I would get to know their motivators, the strengths and their growth opportunities. I'd get to know their personal preference for their work style and environment. I would make sure that, wherever I place them on the team, it would be incentivizing while promoting their strengths. If there were circumstances that made it necessary to place some team members on tasks that are growth opportunities, then I would make sure other members of the team would have tasks that they could complete earlier and be able to assist those other team members who are learning and stepping outside their comfort zone. This would be especially ideal if those teammates were more extroverted and motivated by collaborative and interactive tasks. I'd make sure everyone had a clear understanding of the big picture, and that each one of them was personally invested in the bigger team effort and goals. If I've done my job right, then by the end of the project, the camaraderie would be heightened, and everyone will be cheering each other on and exchanging high-fives. To me, that's the definition of success."
Your answer should provide them insights into your approach to team building, project management, your interpersonal skills, and your self growth and development. Walk the interviewer through your approach. Using the ARC method, describe the action you would take in this situation, and elaborate on the reasoning behind your actions. Then describe all the considerations that played into the action you would take.
Think about many of the questions you've been asked in this set. Consider what you've learned, how you would approach developing your own skills and growing in your career and apply them to how you would build your team and approach a project to completion. How you build and develop your teams should be a reflection of how you have developed your own skills and how we grow in our careers. Consider this when formulating your approach to this situational question.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My first steps would be to get to know the people on the team well to understand what each one would like to do and how they could contribute to making the project a success. Understanding the qualities of each one and creating a relationship of trust with them will be fundamental for the development of teamwork and, consequently, the project.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! Getting to know everyone on the team and what their strengths are is definitely important. How exactly will you do this? Then, beyond that, what will you do to get the project moving?
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