Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
One thing I have noticed is that everyone talks about communications, but they do not all practice it.
And to tell you the truth, in my field (the IT field) you tend to have many people who are technical and not exactly people people. These are people who went into the computer industry so that they would not need to deal with people.
But seriously, some people are natural communicators and some are not. This is a skill that some may feel is important but easy. Then they find that it is not so easy after all.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Apr 27, 2018 7:43 AM
George Lewis
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Dinah - yes, you're correct!
Saving Changes...
Mahabubur RahmanProject Manager Structures-Bridges| Department of Infrastructure, Government of Nothwest TerritoriesYellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
George, to my understanding: Communication is very important in project success-no doubt. Although, a PM has to spend most of the time (90%) in communication, it is not sure whether every projects has a communication plan in place and what percent of time being used in managing communication. Sometimes a PM's due diligence in communication (when, to whom, what content) contribute in communication management as well and same thing in my case.
I completely agree that communication is key! It seems that communication can get difficult for companies with rather large teams or groups who are always multitasking. When tasks get busier and busier, it often gets more challenging to stay organized. I think that now, technology can make it easier for consistent communication if we use it correctly. I also think it's essential to have team meetings on a daily basis. Morning meetings make it easier to stay informed of what everyone else is working on and what each team members goals are. Saving Changes...
What is the data to show we spend so little focus on managing communication in projects. The failure rate? It's hard to really know what exactly causes failure, but yes communication would have a part to play. But I wouldn't agree that if indeed 90% of a PM's time is spent communicating, that this translates into 90% of project failures are due to communication breakdown.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Apr 27, 2018 7:48 AM
George Lewis
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Sante - It is not a generalization, as such data is not needed... Again communication is an ongoing issue in projects...
Simple statement, In the experience I have had, I see we need to put more attention to communication in our projects.
One of the reasons why project communications often go awry is that projects do not put in place a comprehensive communications strategy beforehand.
What types of messages do we want to convey (at least the Pareto majority)? What channels do we have available? What types of messages are to go through which channel? How do we capture decisions? Is our traceability matrix spread across various channels?
Devising this strategy - exhausting as it sounds - is only the beginning. Project leaders have to then constantly coax project team members to follow these guidelines. And to do so in a patient, kind, almost parental manner. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Apr 26, 2018 1:42 PM
Replying to Dinah Young
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One thing I have noticed is that everyone talks about communications, but they do not all practice it.
And to tell you the truth, in my field (the IT field) you tend to have many people who are technical and not exactly people people. These are people who went into the computer industry so that they would not need to deal with people.
But seriously, some people are natural communicators and some are not. This is a skill that some may feel is important but easy. Then they find that it is not so easy after all.
Dinah - yes, you're correct! Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Apr 26, 2018 2:21 PM
Replying to Mahabubur Rahman
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George, to my understanding: Communication is very important in project success-no doubt. Although, a PM has to spend most of the time (90%) in communication, it is not sure whether every projects has a communication plan in place and what percent of time being used in managing communication. Sometimes a PM's due diligence in communication (when, to whom, what content) contribute in communication management as well and same thing in my case.
Mahabubur - I do understand your points.. Saving Changes...
Michael DelaneyPartner| Delaney Management LLCWest Chester, Pa, United States
As PMs we spend a lot of time on communication. The difficult part is find the most effective manner for communication which will differ with the various stakeholders. Also the greater use of virtual teams make the process more difficult. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Apr 26, 2018 6:06 PM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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What is the data to show we spend so little focus on managing communication in projects. The failure rate? It's hard to really know what exactly causes failure, but yes communication would have a part to play. But I wouldn't agree that if indeed 90% of a PM's time is spent communicating, that this translates into 90% of project failures are due to communication breakdown.
Sante - It is not a generalization, as such data is not needed... Again communication is an ongoing issue in projects...
Simple statement, In the experience I have had, I see we need to put more attention to communication in our projects. Saving Changes...
