Communicating with stakeholders – DISCUSSION
By DEXAPosted on Posted in Uncategorized1,871 Comments on Communicating with stakeholders – DISCUSSION
Best online school for in-demand digital skills.
Best online school for in-demand digital skills.
As a project manager, communication is a key skill required in other to be able to achieve best results and get the project completed as soon as possible. Planning the communication ahead has proven to be of great help because enough preparation would have happened in order not to go off point or go blank.
Another thing is tailoring the communication style to the person I’m conversing with, if the person is analytical I know I shouldn’t meet him or her without bringing evidence to back up my points.
Also, I’ve learnt that bad news about a project shouldn’t be presented at first meeting although after subsequent meetings, it could be presented but with possible solution in mind.
As a project manager, it’s also important I communicate with my team mates and also give reports and feedbacks to stakeholders
As project manager it is extremely important to consider every aspects of communication as it strengthen relationship between the project team and the stakeholders.
You need to understand your stakeholders before you attempt them to understand you or your project, reason why you have to consider getting stakeholders talking to each other, where appropriate.
You have to be clear, listen actively and involve them in decisions, maintain an encouraging and positive tone when engaging your stakeholders. An effective communication with stakeholders can offer insights into potential roadblocks and guide you on how to overcome obstacles that may come your way and also help in identifying areas where improvements can be made.
One thing is vital to mention, as a project manager you have to be able to diffuse negative emotions or conflict and be prepared to review your message based on the feedbacks you’re receiving.
Effective communication is very important in anything worth doing at all in life. I found out and noticed in my organization that whenever the process of achieving an objective is not moving at the right and expected pace, it is usually surrounded by lack of effective communication. Knowing how to communicate to/with people in different ways with strategies that fits with the best way the communication can be well perceived which in return enhance everyone aligning to the goal of the project, meeting up with the timeline, help to manage and resolve challenges that may arise. But when communication is not effective, the success of any project is impossible. The stakeholders will definitely not go on with sponsoring the project anymore as they feel the project manager is not doing a great job and this is why a project manager needs to be conversant with the project at hand.
Constant communication with all lines is very essential because it carries every one along on the project. The communication should be timely, transparent and scheduled at the right time using the right medium too.
Reporting to stakeholders and getting feedback from them is key too so that they can be aware of how the project is going and to be sure you are on the right course . Stakeholders should not be neglected at any point in time. Study their personality and build a relationship with them that will help the project to be successful.
All teams should be considered in the communication lines, those at the field should be carried along too
I think it’s very essential for a project manager to have an in-depth understanding of personality types and what stands as core values for their stakeholders in other to communicate which each of them effectively and efficiently.
This communication should be timely, transparent with a well-defined channel and format as preferred by the stakeholders to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
A project manager should be able to pay keen attention to details by taking note of unspoken words, body cues, gestures, facial expressions, choice of words and so on. This helps the project manager to gauge the stakeholders, their standpoints and how to address the situation properly.
Adapting communication to different types of stakeholders involves understanding their needs, preferences, and interests. Here are some strategies:
Determine who the stakeholders are and what their roles are in the project.It is important you understand their Interests and Needs.Consider what each stakeholder group wants to know about the project and how it affects them.
communication to each stakeholder group’s preferences and level of expertise. For example, executives may need high-level summaries, while technical teams may require detailed reports.Use communication channels that resonate with each stakeholder group. This could include email, meetings, reports, presentations, or even social media platforms.
By adapting communication strategies to the specific needs of each stakeholder group, project teams can effectively engage stakeholders and foster collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
in my organization, effective communication is fundamental to successful project execution, this ensures that all parties involved are aligned with the project objectives, timeline and deliverables. it gives room for increased transparency, better risk management , improves collaboration among staffs. and cultivation of positive project culture.
Owolabi Halimah
Communication with stakeholders in a project involves keeping them informed about the project’s progress, involving them in decision-making processes, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their expectations are managed effectively. It’s about maintaining open and transparent lines of communication to build trust and alignment between the project team and stakeholders.
Communication is as important as the air we breath in a project……. The PM must make sure that he carries every body along, from the client, project team and the stakeholders so as to have a smooth takeoff and timely completion.
Communication is as important as the air we breath in a project……. The PM must make sure that he carries every body along, from the client, project team and the stakeholders so as to have a smooth takeoff and timely completion