During the progress review, how might a project manager assess the contribution of each member of the project team?

     A project manager can assess the contribution of each member of the project team based on the type of information each member provides to the review.  If the member is detailed in their progress report, it is an indication that the member has put a lot into the project.  Information provided such as percentage accomplished, milestones reached, graphic descriptions of work accomplished, and pitfalls overcome, suggestions, collaborations and tangible results are strong indicators that that member has been contributing a lot to the project.

     On the other side of the spectrum, if the member has very little information to provide, or provides numerous excuses why something is not done, it is a good indication that the member has contributed little to the project. 

     Good communication is also a good indicator for project managers to know a member’s contributions.  Maintaining good records, such as weekly reports, helps the project manager see what a member has accomplished each week.  Also, constant communication between the project manager and the project members keeps the project manager apprised of where each member is with the project.  A member who does not maintain regular communications, or maintain weekly reports, conveys a message to the project manager that they are not contributing to the project.  Even though they might be getting a lot done, without good communication, the project manager does not know.