What is working, what is not working and where can we improve

John Schnobrich

Nothing is more important to the success of a project than effective communication. According to this PMI paper, about 90% of the time a project manager spends in a project is spent on communication.

Improving the effectiveness of communications overall, is a commitment that all managers share.

Typically, a well-managed project in which effective communication is established and maintained lacks the following two things:

a) Poor team communication

• Misunderstanding around project goals and objectives;
• Individual team members moving in different directions; and
• Lack of commitment on the part of project team members.

b) Poor stakeholder communications

• Lack of or limited buy-in and commitment to the project; and
• Misunderstanding around stakeholder expectations on what is considered project success.

Overcoming obstacles such as poor team and shareholder communication is achieved by checking in with stakeholders and asking them the following questions:

1. What is working in how we communicate with you about the project?
2. What is not working or is not effective in our communications?
3. Where can we improve our communications with you?

As a best practice for effective communication, take time upfront before the project officially starts, to develop your communication plan and outline the ways and tools to be used for communications.

Remember that:

“Only 7% of our communication is verbal — the content of our communication. Thirty-eight percent is conveyed through the quality of voice — tone, volume, speed and pitch. Fifty-five percent is through posture, movements, gestures, facial expressions, breathing and skin-color changes.”

PMI articles on communication:

Art of communication in project management

Managing Communications Effectively and Efficiently