I don't usually have specific days for regular communication. I do, however, avoid recurring meetings on Mondays and Fridays.
There is anecdotal evidence that support the idea of not giving bad news right before a weekend.
There is also significant evidence that many important business decisions are made on Fridays, so that people can go into the weekend with a clear (or clearer) mind. Even if the decision isn't made public until the following week, we need to be aware that Fridays are often Decision Days.
...
2 replies by George Lewis and Stéphane Parent
Jul 11, 2016 11:20 AM
Stéphane Parent
...
I don't disagree, John. I suspect those Friday business decisions are not made in a recurring meeting. In fact, a lot of business decisions are made outside of meetings, after 5:00 PM.
Jul 11, 2016 9:05 PM
George Lewis
...
John - I did not understand your answer, are you saying that Friday is the best day? or even a good day? I myself wouldn't send out an email on Friday, especially if I'm waiting for a response the same day or the following day.
But it all depends, there is no unique answer.
John can you comment and also cast your vote on the best and worst day.
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Jul 11, 2016 10:11 AM
Replying to John Herman
...
There is also significant evidence that many important business decisions are made on Fridays, so that people can go into the weekend with a clear (or clearer) mind. Even if the decision isn't made public until the following week, we need to be aware that Fridays are often Decision Days.
I don't disagree, John. I suspect those Friday business decisions are not made in a recurring meeting. In fact, a lot of business decisions are made outside of meetings, after 5:00 PM. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jul 11, 2016 10:11 AM
Replying to John Herman
...
There is also significant evidence that many important business decisions are made on Fridays, so that people can go into the weekend with a clear (or clearer) mind. Even if the decision isn't made public until the following week, we need to be aware that Fridays are often Decision Days.
John - I did not understand your answer, are you saying that Friday is the best day? or even a good day? I myself wouldn't send out an email on Friday, especially if I'm waiting for a response the same day or the following day.
But it all depends, there is no unique answer.
John can you comment and also cast your vote on the best and worst day.
We often get asked what the best days and times are for sending emails. When it comes down to it, it’s going to depend on your audience. But how do you decide where to begin your tests? Plenty of people have done studies and offer their opinions, but sifting through them takes time.by Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jul 11, 2016 7:39 AM
Replying to Aejaz Shaikh
...
Efficient communication means providing only the information that is needed - going by this principle there is no Best or Worst day of the week to send out email. Crisp and precise communication will keep updated all the concerned stakeholders.
Aejaz - I understand that everything should be in the Communication plan, so you may be right is everything is included there.
What would you include in your communication plan regarding regular emails (NOT URGENT), would you indicate the regular Project Manager emails should be send out any day of the week (including weekends)?
You may want to read a bit more of the topic. There is always more room for learning.
I'm not saying I disagree because it really depends what behind your comments, but I would suggest for you to research a bit and give us your thoughts once you do.
It's really nice sharing and open up to new learning.
There seems to be some scientific reasoning behind this discussion, not sure how accurate it is, but it surely worth considering and commenting.
Bhuvaneswari VeerasamyPortfolio Manager| Free Lance ConsultantDubai, United Arab Emirates
End of day -last working day or First thing in the morning -first working day of the week-for Status/Plan/To do kind of communication emails/meetings. This helps the recepient organise and prioritise for a week ahead.
However, sometimes I use last day-1 , since it gives the next day for any review/rework on the plan.
This applies for only regular project management communication. Others really depend on the situation. Saving Changes...
Avinash KharePM II| MAP-IT Consultant Project ManagementAmbernath (East), Maharashtra, India
Sending a email will depend upon what kind of information is to be sent and what is the emergency and impact from the context.End of the day and after office hours for regular email should be avoided. Saving Changes...
Murthy SNHead - Service Excellence, Transformation| Ernst & YoungBangalore, Karnataka, India
Sorry to join the chat rather late. If the information is important and time sensitive, then the best option is to send by mail or even see if we can call an all hands meeting to disseminate info. If we are thinking of sending a weekly project status report / RAG report, my preference would be to send it out on a friday afternoon so that folks can have some to take some actions in the second half of friday and also speed up things on the weekend if needed. The weekend gives an opportunity to spend some time reflecting on the week gone past and plan for the upcoming week. Hope this helps. Saving Changes...
I never think about the best or worst time to mail, when the issue happen, after analysis. I will send the information out ASAP. Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
Hi George,
I would avoid Friday, especially afternoon to send out regular email or any emails regarding the project. Based on my experience reaching out to stakeholders during non-working hours may sometimes work fine in private sectors especially if we are working on an important project but not in public sectors. Saving Changes...
