Effective Communications for Project Management

Effective communication on projects is a challenging, ongoing process for project managers and stakeholders at all levels within an organization. Project managers experience the greatest challenge due to the nature of their position. They set up and regulate communications that support a project overall. Effective Communications for Project Management examines elements of effective communications and describes the role that a Project Management Information System (PMIS) has in helping project managers become better communicators. Based on the author’s practical experience and insight as a project and program manager, the book describes the role of personaltiy and its effect on the communications process. It also details the seven elements of effective communications: Applying active and effective listening Preparing the communications and establishing an issues management process Drafting and publishing documentation Conducting meetings Giving effective presentations Developing and deploying a project website Building a project war room Containing examples and checklists that are adaptable to almost any project environment, this book is an invaluable resource that not only demonstrates how to attain effective communications, but also how communications can effect a project’s bottom line.

  THE ELEMENTS OF PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS Understanding the Communications Process The Communications Process Sender and Receiver Message Medium Feedback Variables Setting At the Center A Difficult Process Getting Started PROJECT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (PMIS) Definition and Components Key Characteristics Roles Developing an Automated PMIS Data vs. Information Types of Repositories Fine Distinction Never-Ending Construction Getting Started PERSONALITY STYLE AND COMMUNICATIONS Caveats Many Models Myers-Briggs Temperament Birkman Model Color Code Multiple Intelligences Enneagram Herrmann Brain Dominance Organizational Engineering Many More Models Getting Started APPLYING ACTIVE AND EFFECTIVE LISTENING PMIS Contributions Active and Effective Listening Two Important Reasons Why Few People Listen Effectively and Actively Four Steps for Effective and Active Listening Hear Clarify Interpret Respond Most Important Skill Getting Started PREPARING THE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ESTABLISHING THE ISSUES MANAGEMENT PROCESS PMIS Contributions Communications Management Plan Purpose Characteristics Challenges Implementation Suggestions Issues Management Getting Started DRAFTING AND PUBLISHING DOCUMENTATION PMIS Contributions Why Writing Matters Too Little Importance PM as Writer Documentation Phases Defining Readers Determining Goals Conducting Research Preparing an Outline Creating the Document Properness Conducting the Review Revising the Manuscript Receiving Approval or Disapproval Publishing or Distributing the Document Maintaining and Updating Documents Different Types of Supporting Material Common Types of Documentation The Project Manual The Right Amount Getting Started CONDUCTING MEETINGS PMIS Contributions Reasons for Meetings Reasons for Meeting Failure Indicators of Poor Meetings Key Steps for Successful Meetings Planning the Meeting Conducting the Meeting Following Up on Results Passing through the Impasse Dealing with “Bad Eggs” Worst and Best of Times Virtual Meetings Rules for Meetings Getting Started GIVING EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS PMIS Contributions Many Opportunities to Present Loss of Effectiveness Types of Presentations Characteristics of an Effective Presentation Preparation Rehearsal Delivery Post-Delivery Summary Getting Started DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING A WEB SITE PMIS Contributions Three Main Advantages Two Main Challenges Important Guidelines Sharing And Visibility Getting Started BUILDING WAR ROOMS PMIS Contributions Many Pluses Key Steps Challenges Getting Started THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP REFERENCES GLOSSARY