Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
Indeed, communication is a huge part of a project manager’s day (and rightly so), but in my experience, the remaining time is equally crucial and filled with activities that support successful delivery and team cohesion.
Beyond communication, here’s how I typically spend my time:
- Planning and Re-planning – Whether it’s developing schedules, refining WBSs, or updating baselines, planning is a living process.
Projects evolve constantly, and so must our plans.
- Monitoring & Controlling – I regularly analyze progress, manage risks, assess variances (e.g., through EVM), and review KPIs and dashboards to ensure we're on track.
- Decision-Making & Problem Solving – From prioritizing tasks to navigating complex challenges, this is a space where strategic thinking really comes into play.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Beyond mere communication, it's about managing relationships, understanding concerns, aligning expectations, and building trust.
- Team Support & Coaching – Especially in hybrid or agile settings, I devote time to supporting team members, removing roadblocks, and fostering a collaborative, psychologically safe environment.
- Learning & Improving – I carve out time for retrospectives, lessons learned, and continuous improvement—both for myself and the team.
While communication is at the core of all these activities, we’re often doing much more than just exchanging information—we’re enabling action, building culture, and driving outcomes.