Igor ZdorovyakDirector of Projects| ImmunovantFair Lawn, Nj, United States
Communication. Communication. Communication. Which Communication Method To Use?
Using wrong communication method can lead to misinterpretation, rework, producing more confusion and delays.
Instant Messaging or SMS
Use instant messaging to get quick updates or for simple requests.
This method however should be avoided if one needs to collaborate and convey a complex message with a broader audience.
Email
It is a communication choice for most folks. However it might not be as effective and other communication methods. Email is good to disseminate communication to the broadest audience. It should be used to send massages that are direct and easy to understand. Email should be used to send updates, share documents, and where quick responses are not necessary. Subject line should clear and to a point. The beginning of the email body should provide the contents. Place the contents at the top of the email's body so that the intended reader knows if the message is directed towards them and an immediate action needs to be taken right away, or if it is of somewhat of importance, or just an FYI.
You should avoid using email for communication if you need to discuss a complex issue or if you need a fast response.
Telephone/Teleconference
Using Teleconference when you have the need to interact with others and expect questions on topics which are of medium in complexity. Here you are able to differentiate on people's tone/rate of speech. And based on that able to tell if your message is getting across somewhat better than it the responses were written.
Avoid this communication method when topics are complex in nature.
Face to Face
It is the best type of communication method. Face to face is where relationships are built. If people are collocated this should be your first choice if you need to collaborate on a complex topic. You are able to deduce how others are communicating even if they are not speaking. By observing their body language, their gestures, their mannerism, their eye contact or lack of it. You are able to observe not only the person who is speaking but other people’s reactions.
Scheduling for large group of people can be a challenge. Also, if your team is in dispersed locations face to face could be a challenge if you don’t have big conference room to place all the people in front the camera.
The more people on a project the bigger the communication channel. Formula for Number of Communication Channels:
N(N-1)/2
Where N = the number of team members/stakeholders on a project.
Which communication method should you use?
It depends what you are trying to accomplish.
Whatever communications you choose remember to communicate with the right folks at the right time with the right communication method.
What's your favorite communication method? And, why do you prefer it? Saving Changes...
Email is so overused, and yet it never seems to go away. Although it is trending downward with all the collaboration tools now available. Saving Changes...
Damian PereraMonitoring & Evaluation Specialist| ChrysalisMellawagedara, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Choice of communication is very important. But it depends on the situation and the receiver of information. I prefer instant messaging. It is a very quick way to make a request and get some work done. But it does not help to communicate complex matters. Saving Changes...
Good points and always remind us that PM spend 90% of his time.
Favorite communication technologies for me:-
-Face to face
-Web conferencing
Above are the best communication technologies for me , however sometimes I use others communications technologies (although I knew their disadvantages- for example using them with team I already work them with many years.).
I prefer to call them (communication technologies rather than communication methods (interactive, pull and push)
BR,
Mansour Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
If possible I prefer face to face, because I will be able to see the person to whom I'm are speaking to, which will give me visual cues on whether or not they understand what I'm trying to say and it also gives them visual cues as well. Saving Changes...
RAJESH K LProject Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, India
Communication is at the core for any PM. Thanks Igor for bringing out the details Saving Changes...
