As a project manager, team members can be classified in four categories:

1. Those willing to support you and worthy of trust.
2. Fence-sitters who will support you once they see you can handle the job.
3. Those who will need some extra time and energy to be turned into supporters.
4. Those who do not currently support you and never will.

Observing behaviors in meetings and office conservations will offer hints:

1. People engaged in light conversations that suddenly stop when you come into view are not in category 1.
2. Team members who engage in excessive or unexplained ex parte conversations with your peers or superiors are in category 4.
3. Team members who are eager to show off any effort that furthers your agenda are most likely in category 1.
4. Team members who challenge you or your agenda in a constructive manner are most likely in categories 2 or 3.
5. Staff who challenge you with statements aimed at making it appear you are inexpert are almost certainly in category 4.