Articles
Project Management Perspectives
Communication Skills- A Means to an End
When interviewing Project Management candidates, we often ask what attributes a Project Manager should possess. In response, one of the attributes is almost always "strong communication". This answer surprises since communication is simply a means to an end. Communication is the vehicle in which we deploy all of our attributes or skills, but it is not our final destination.
When analyzing this response we realize that our Project Management community emphasizes strong communication as the most important attribute a Project Manager can possess. The question that needs to be answered is: Why do we need strong communication skills?
As Project Managers we communicate to accomplish a singular goal; to complete our projects and achieve the highest degree of success possible for our Clients. In order to do this we must develop relationships and lead. We accomplish this by communicating. We can't lead or build relationships silently.
Many of us have encountered "the project that never ends". This problem occurs when the project team and stakeholders are completely focused on the "means" rather than achieving results. It is the Project Manager's job to move the team forward by encouraging them to make decisions and then holding them accountable to the results.
Likewise, to improve our success as Project Managers it is important to focus our development and education on the attributes that will ensure our success; up, down, and across leadership and relationship building. We must focus on the "end" rather than the "means".
"Life is a journey, not a destination". However, Project Management is about the results, not the journey.
In summary, we communicate so we can lead.
