The best project managers understand that good communication is one of the most important qualities they can bring to the project.  From the first seed of an idea to the final touches, every aspect of project management must include communication.  The stronger your communication skills are during all phases of the project, the more successful your project will be. 

Communication in the Early Stages

Before starting a project, especially during the initial planning, you will need to communicate with a variety of people.  Frequent contact with your client, your team and your vendors is necessary to ensure that the project is well-planned and ready to be properly executed.  Provide deadlines, project goals and updates to everyone involved and let each individual know exactly what you expect of them based on their specific skills.  Make yourself available and easily to reach from day one.

Communication during the Project

As the project progresses, keep in touch with all those involved, especially your team members.  Staying in contact with them will allow everyone to stay on track and address any issues that arise.  In addition to your team, be sure to communicate frequently with your clients during this critical stage of the project.  They rely on you to answer their questions and alleviate concerns in a calm, professional manner.  Let your vendors know the exact terms of what you need and when you need it so everyone involved will save time and money.

Communication at the End of the Project

Even after the project is finished, communication should continue.  After the project, meet with your client and get his or her honest and specific feedback about the project.  Use the evaluation as a learning tool to make changes and improvements for future projects.  Assemble your team and do the same thing.  Go over any issues that caused troubles and analyze your successes in order to learn from this project and apply these lessons to the next one.

100% Communication is the Best Approach

Effective project managers take the time and effort to maintain communication throughout the entire project.  Everyone needs to feel that their ideas are important. Listening and answering questions are vital to the success of the project. The PM needs to make sure this happens during each stage of the work.  The more involved that your stakeholders and your team are in the project, the happier and more productive everyone will be.  It has been said that 90% communication should be the target for project managers, but why stop there?  Go for that extra ten percent and be the project manager everyone wants to work with – the one who communicates effectively, listens attentively and delivers the most successful projects.

University Alliance submitted this article on behalf of Villanova University’s online programs. Villanova offers PMP certification prep courses to help professionals advance their career opportunities.  Feel free to browse Villanova’s resources such as this IT project management article.