communications skills project manager needs

5 communications skills project manager needs

Active Listening

In first place is our ability to listen to and understand others. Listening to the words and the meaning behind their words, not interrupting or letting our minds wander, asking questions to check understanding and observing non-verbal signals.

Building Relationships Based on Trust and Respect

Trust and respect are the cornerstones of personal relationships. They are earned, not a right, and come from an experience of our honesty, integrity and expertise. Among the characteristics people used to determine our credibility are truthfulness, openness, willingness to share ideas and information freely, consistency, reliability, loyalty, capabilities and competence.

Setting Clear Priorities

A project manager's ability to convey the strategy for their team - by setting goals, planning and prioritising. We call this the what, who, when, where, why and how of the project. Team members should understand both the big picture and the lower level technical priorities.

Enabling Collaboration

In a collaborative environment, team members support and encourage each other rather than focusing solely on their tasks and responsibilities. They are willing to co-operate and share information, ideas and assets to help each other. The result can be greater than the sum of its parts.

Conveying the Organization's Vision

Explaining the bigger picture helps team members understand where the project fits within the overall aims of your business unit and organisation. Senior executives focus on the triple bottom line - finance, environment, reputation - this is where they expect your project to make a difference.