Behind the Scenes: How We Build Strong Project Teams (And How You Can, Too)
A strong strategy means nothing if you don’t have the right people behind it.
Every client, every challenge, every project is unique — but one thing never changes: the right team makes or breaks the outcome.
At WorkWell, we don’t just staff projects — we build teams that tackle what matters most and deliver lasting results.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we do it — plus practical moves and questions you can use on your own projects.
Start with Outcomes, Not Job Titles
Too often, teams are built based solely on “who’s available?” At WorkWell, before we ever start building a team, we take time to understand the project and desired outcomes.
When we stand up a project team, we zoom out first:
What does success look like for this client and this work?
What roadblocks or challenges do we anticipate based on our experience?
Where will we need deep industry know-how, tactical insight, or a fresh outside perspective to keep things moving?
Practical Tip: Before you assign roles, define outcomes. Get clear on the end goal, so you build in the right mix of strengths to tackle the how.
Look Beyond Skills — Fit Is Where It Clicks
Credentials are important — but they’re just the starting point.
We look well beyond the resume:
Does this person thrive in complexity and adapt when things change?
Do they balance strategy with tactical execution?
Does their working style and personality fit the client culture and team dynamics?
Practical Tip: Mix thinkers and doers. Pair big-picture people with detail-driven ones. Match personalities thoughtfully.
Set the Rules of the Road — Early
A strong team doesn’t just align on what to do — they agree on how they’ll work together from the start.
When we kick off an engagement, we get intentional about:
Clarifying roles and responsibilities — and making sure they’re realistic
Defining guardrails and clear escalation paths for when priorities change
Talking through working styles and communication preferences
Understanding our client’s culture and ways of working
Building in rhythms for check-ins, updates, and feedback
When everyone knows how the work will happen, they can focus on outcomes, not friction
Embed Where It Matters Most
The best project teams don’t stand on the edges — they roll up their sleeves and get involved where the real work happens.
At WorkWell, we approach every engagement with our EAE mindset: Embed, Align, Execute. We don’t just advise from the sidelines — we embed deeply, align on shared goals, and execute with the same urgency and ownership as your internal team.
Deep integration builds trust faster, surfaces roadblocks earlier, and helps people move forward together.
Practical Tip: Bring your team into the conversations that matter, early and often. Make alignment a habit, not an event. Stay flexible — priorities will shift. When you embed well, the work sticks — and so does the trust.
Bringing It All Together
Building a strong project team is the work behind the work — and it pays off every time.
Next time you’re building a project team:
Get clear on outcomes first
Look beyond skills — match for human fit and trust
Set clear roles, guardrails, and rhythms from day one
Roll up your sleeves — and embed where it counts
Final Thought
The truth is, strategy means nothing if you don’t have the right people in the room — aligned, embedded, and ready to act when it counts.
Build your teams with intention. Trust them to get into the real work. That’s how good plans become bold outcomes — and that’s the difference between potential and progress.