Over the past 20+ years, I have provided dispute resolution/partnering services to various companies. One of the most common questions I have been asked is how to solve a "failure to communicate" in projects.
In nearly every partnering session I've conducted, the number one goal of the project team is open, honest, effective communication. If we all recognize that communication is so important, then why are there so many communication failures? One reason is because we don't work to build genuinely strong skills in effective communication. We take the ability to communicate effectively for granted, and then are surprised when we don't (or can't).
One idea is to suggest that the project team attend a joint training session in effective communication skills. By attending such training together, the project team will gain a common language and model for effective communication, which can be used immediately to improve the project. Communication skills training will also help to create an expectation that open, honest communication is the norm. Such communication is the cornerstone of good project management, and essential to the success of your project. You can contact the International Partnering Institute at (800) 805-8300 for a free copy of the Top Ten Tips for Effective Project Communication.
Communication is something that you must work at. When it breaks, down, you must make an urgent effort to reconnect. The greatest risk to success of your project is a communication failure. Immediate action must be taken.
To be effective in your work and in many fields in life you need to have good communication skills and to know how to use them in the best way.
Posted by: Cara Fletcher | September 06, 2007 at 07:11 AM