Tips For Effective Project Communications
The common thread throughout the easy and the difficult times needs to be good, effective, and efficient communication led by the project manager. Here are some tips to have an effective project communications.
- Basics of Training
1. Develop a training plan
2. Identify requirements
3. Identify the types of training (e.g., lecture, workshop)
4. Know the objectives
5. Obtain feedback
6. Recognize the existence of different learning styles - Keys on Presenting Data
1. Keep it simple (e.g., white space, 7 plus or minus 2 rule)
2. Know the needs of the audience (e.g., summary vs. detail)
3. Rely more on graphics
4. Use clarity
5. Use rounded numbers, if possible
- Keys to Active Listening
1. Empathize, not sympathize
2. Focus your attention on the speaker
3. Keep out emotion
4. Listen for what’s being said
5. Maintain eye contact
6. Make comments to signal your understanding (e.g., "I see")
7. Pay attention to body language (e.g., mixed signals)
8. Repeat or paraphrase what was said to communicate understanding
9. Use body language to signal your attention and understanding (e.g., nodding of head) - Principles of Coaching
1. Be available and honest for direction
2. Be tolerant of expressions of fear and anxiety
3. Communicate expectations
4. Express genuine interest
5. Provide constant, meaningful feedback
6. Provide the necessary support (e.g., emotional, physical)
7. Steer rather than direct - Understanding the "True Message"
1. Be aware of the tendency to screen information by one’s values, beliefs, etc.
2. Encourage disagreement, not conflict
3. Identify causes rather than symptoms
4. Look at facts and data
5. Obtain alternative points of view