Ever heard of the game “Chinese Whisper”? It’s a fun game where one person passes along a message to another person in a line. Each person takes turns whispering the same message to the next until it reaches the final person. Once that happens, the final person speaks the heard message aloud, which is often quite different from the intended one.
The game shows how easily information changes when passed along from one person to the next. The same can be said about company management and communication. Did you know that over 30% of projects fail due to improper communication? The leader’s task is to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure the message gets across; otherwise, leaders can find themselves in the same situation as with the Chinese Whisper game.
Victor Allen and Ron May understood this problem and highlighted it in their latest book, Mastering Project Management: A Guide to Learning. This guide can help you learn how to communicate as a leader. Let’s explore what a leader needs to communicate and what steps they can take to improve communication among their team.
How To Communicate As A Leader
Communication skills are among the crucial skills that leaders must possess. While most believe that communication skills are a born trait, that’s far from the truth. Through constant practice, extensive research, and trial and error, it’s a skill that leaders can hone over time. As leaders understand that communication is crucial for project success, they are responsible for planning, executing, and managing the communication process between the team and stakeholders.
Each team works differently and has different responsibilities, so the leader will plan the communication process differently. However, each plan will have a few essential elements:
- Sender – Leader, Team Members or Stakeholders
- Receiver – Team Members, Stakeholders, or Leader
- Communication Medium – Verbal, Non-Verbal, Written, or Electronic
Considering each aspect and planning accordingly will ensure that no area is missed. In addition, they must ensure that the information sent is of value and based on their focus and attention to detail. For instance, while communicating with executives sponsoring the project, leaders are more likely to report the profit or loss of the plan. In contrast, while communicating with the team, they might be more obligated to discuss the plan of action and responsibilities members must follow to execute a project.
Leaders must also ensure that the communication plan they form covers all the various activities and required reporting. It should dictate who the organization’s members must report to and which medium to use. Leaders must also ensure appropriate resources are allocated for implementing the communication plan.
Another responsibility leaders have regarding communication planning is managing risks. Risks can arise unexpectedly and can be exacerbated through poor reporting, causing uncertainty in the organization and leading to a downward spiral. It’s the project manager’s responsibility to ensure full transparency within communication to clear uncertainties.
Final Note:
Effective communication is essential for successful project management. Just as in Chinese whispers, miscommunication can lead to disastrous outcomes. Your ability to clearly convey information and ensure it reaches the right people is paramount as a leader.
To excel in this critical area, consider incorporating the strategies outlined in Mastering Project Management: A Guide to Learning by Victor Allen and Ron May. This comprehensive guide provides invaluable insights into crafting and executing effective communication plans. Understanding the key components of communication – sender, receiver, and medium – and proactively managing potential risks can significantly enhance your leadership skills and drive project success. If you want more insights on project success, be sure to get a copy of Mastering Project Management: A Guide to Learning from Amazon today.
