Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
I asked PMI Infinity this reread and informed the following :
Infinity: While a project manager spends approximately 90% of their time on communication, the remaining 10% is dedicated to various other critical tasks that ensure the smooth execution and success of the project. Here is a breakdown of the remaining 10% of a project manager's work:
- Planning and Scheduling (3%):
- Developing detailed project plans and schedules.
- Defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Allocating resources and setting timelines.
- Risk Management (2%):
- Identifying potential risks and issues.
- Developing risk mitigation strategies.
- Monitoring and controlling risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Quality Management (1%):
- Ensuring that project deliverables meet the required quality standards.
- Conducting quality assurance and quality control activities.
- Implementing continuous improvement processes.
- Budget Management (1%):
- Monitoring project budgets and expenditures.
- Ensuring that the project stays within financial constraints.
- Adjusting budgets as necessary based on project progress and changes.
- Team Management (1%):
- Leading and motivating the project team.
- Resolving conflicts and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Providing training and development opportunities for team members.
- Documentation and Reporting (1%):
- Maintaining project documentation and records.
- Preparing and submitting project reports to stakeholders.
- Ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
- Procurement Management (1%):
- Managing contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers.
- Overseeing the procurement of necessary resources and materials.
- Ensuring timely delivery and quality of procured items.
Just these activities are crucial for the successful execution and completion of the project? or any other subject else?
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
May 06, 2025 3:19 AM
Replying to Mohamad Hachoui
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We can agree that this is an estimation. In fact, we can divide the PM time different ways, as he can manage the team while communicating with them at the same time. We can divide the PM work as Communication, analysis, checking and preparation for meetings and presentations.
Hi Mohamad,
Great point! Estimations can definitely vary, and many tasks overlap, especially when it comes to communication and team management. I love your suggestion to break it down into those categories. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
May 06, 2025 3:47 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
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PM activities are not MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive). Actually, we do many of the activities mentioned while communicating. Communicating, teaming, and conflict resolution do not create much value in themselves, but enable other activities to create their value.
Hi Thomas,
You make an excellent point! Many PM activities are indeed interconnected, and communication plays a crucial role in enabling value creation. Thanks for highlighting this important aspect!
I would say these are all communication documents most of which are not done in isolation of the project team. So it's all communication besides these percentage reads like how a failed project- project manager spends their time. Saving Changes...
Pham Van PhuongProject Manager| FUJI CAC JOINT STOCK COMPANYHo Chi Minh, Viet Nam
The idea that a project manager spends “90% of their time on communication” isn’t meant to be taken literally. It’s intended to highlight just how central communication is to project success. A PM constantly interacts with team members, stakeholders, vendors, and sponsors — coordinating tasks, sharing updates, managing expectations, and solving problems. Without this ongoing flow of information, even the best plans, schedules, and resources can’t deliver results.
In this sense, communication is like the CPU of a computer: it processes information, drives decisions, and keeps everything running smoothly. The other nine knowledge areas — scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality, procurement, team, stakeholders, and integration — are like the hardware components: memory, storage, network, and so on. Each is essential on its own, but none can function effectively without the CPU directing the flow.
So, while the “90%” figure is symbolic, it emphasizes that communication underpins every aspect of project management and is key to turning plans into results.
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Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Md. Golam Rob Talukdar Great topic, but the “90% communication” rule needs a closer look.
While it’s often said that project managers spend “90% of their time communicating”, this statistic is more of a metaphor than a measurable fact. It originates from earlier PMI literature and was meant to emphasize the importance of communication — not to quantify it literally.
In reality, communication is not separate from other tasks like planning, risk management, or budgeting.
Rather, it is the medium through which these tasks are executed effectively.
- Planning without communication is just a private thought.
- Risk management without communication is hidden anxiety.
- Budget control without communication leads to silent overspending.
Instead of dividing responsibilities into “communication” and “everything else,” a more accurate lens might be:
Project managers lead through communication, but their value is expressed through decision, alignment, and impact.
To answer your final question: Yes, the listed activities are crucial but so are:
- Stakeholder engagement and sensemaking
- Strategic alignment
- Adaptive leadership
- Change facilitation
- Learning and knowledge transfer
Communication is essential, but it's not 90% of the job.
It's 100% present in every meaningful part of the job.
And in your context - are you communicating to avoid error, or to activate impact?
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Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
First of all, when you ask to something based on generative AI, the answer will depends on your prompt. This is the key to get a consistent and trust answer, no matter after you get the answer you must to make both checking. Saving Changes...
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