Communications and Project Management

Yesterday I posted a summary of a Project Management Institute (PMI) blog post describing important considerations for managers of global projects.  These considerations addressed global project scope, schedule, and budget issues.  However, these considerations did not include a critically important factor; communications.

Project management is more than guiding the project and managing the project variables (scope, budget, and schedule).  In fact, PMI (as cited by Frehsee,2013) reported that 50% of projects unable to meet business goals fail as a result of ineffective communications.  Communications is so important that organizations with effective communications are able to deliver 80% or more successful projects (on time, within budget, and achieving business goals).

Fortunately, many project managers consider themselves communicators.  An informal PMI (2013) poll of self-identified project management styles revealed that 35% of the management styles identified were "communicative".  This was by far the most commonly reported management style.  So this means that project managers proclaim they are capable of communications.  Unfortunately, as Frehsee indicated, this self-proclaimed attribute is not always exhibited.

In future posts I will look at some of the ways project managers can be more effective communicators.

References
Frehsee, N. (2103). Loud and clear. PM Network, 27(7), 16-17.
Project Management Institute (2013).  Word play. PM Network, 27(8), 7.