The third secret in our mini-series is Mastering Communication. Communication is the lifeblood of any successful venture, especially in the realm of project management. I understand the importance of effective communication. In this illuminating look at Secret #3, we’ll explore the pivotal role communication plays in project management and how an experience I had in Sete, France, highlighted its significance.
The Essence of Effective Communication
Communication isn’t merely about conveying messages; it’s about understanding, connecting, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. In the world of project management, successful projects are built on a foundation of clear and efficient communication.
Story Time – Lost in Translation in Sete, France
During my sabbatical, I had the opportunity to visit Sete, a charming coastal town in France. Famished after spending my morning feeding geese and staring aimlessly off into the water channels outside my AirBnB, I decided to venture into a nearby restaurant one afternoon for a late lunch.
To my surprise, the restaurant wasn’t serving lunch or dinner at that time. In France, many establishments close around 3 pm and do not open again until hours later for dinner. This particular restaurant was open but instead, they had a special menu offering only drinks and desserts. To make matters more challenging, there was no English menu or pictures to guide me through the choices.
Struggling to decipher the menu, I attempted to ask about some of the items using my limited French skills and horrible accent. The pressure was on, and I could feel the walls closing in around me – but there were no walls. We were outside! I was sweating with each mispronunciation and I could tell the server was getting frustrated with me. I was frustrated with myself.
Finally, the server had had enough and snapped, “What do you want?” in English. Feeling totally embarrassed and a bit perturbed that he chose that moment to speak English, I sucked in my breath and just pointed at a menu item. I had no idea what it was. I just wanted the moment to be over.
Thankfully, the dessert I had chosen turned out to be tasty. It was served in a fancy glass and wreaked havoc on my blood sugar but it was delish! This experience is just one example of how important it is to be able to communicate effectively – language difference notwithstanding – even more so when navigating in unfamiliar territory.
Utilizing Effective Communication in Project Management
Clarity and Precision
The Foundation of Communication: Clear and precise communication is the bedrock of project management. Ensure that your message is easily understood by all team members to prevent misunderstandings and potential setbacks. Avoid using project management jargon if it isn’t commonly used in the culture within which you\’re working. Tend toward plain speak and words that your audience will understand.
Active Listening
Hearing Beyond the Words: Active listening involves not just hearing but comprehending
and empathizing with the speaker’s perspective. It’s an invaluable skill in project management, enabling you to address concerns effectively and foster a collaborative environment.
Feedback Loop
A Two-Way Street: Establishing a feedback loop encourages open communication within the team. Encourage team members to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas, creating a culture of continuous improvement. Be sure to act on that feedback as well.
Conclusion:
My story from Sete, France, serves as a reminder that effective communication is vital, even in the simplest of interactions. In project management, where the stakes are higher, the need for clear, empathetic, and precise communication cannot be overstated.
So, as you navigate the intricate tapestry of project management, always keep the essence of effective communication at the forefront. Whether it’s understanding a menu or coordinating a project, the ability to communicate effectively is the bridge that leads to success. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch your projects flourish.
Did you miss the first article that spills the beans on all of the secrets? Read Secrets to Seamless Project Execution and Management.
