Project Manager

While many project communication plans are simply a schedule for the distribution of project reports, sending out information has very little to do with effective communication. Lynda Bourne outlines the difference between project reports and effective communication.

Effective communication between project stakeholders is always difficult but critical to ensure you can manage stakeholders’ expectations. Lynda Bourne explains how project estimation can play a part in conveying meaning.

“Pseudo accurate estimates based on detailed calculations are no more valid than estimates made in more general terms, but can easily create false expectations.”

How do we know if we have communicated? Lynda Bourne believes communications within project teams and with stakeholders is harder than it seems.

“While any language is superficially made up of words and words have meaning, context is critical.”

The greatest challenge facing project management in the 21st century is managing the shift from the ‘command and control’ paradigm based in the theories of scientific management developed in the early 20th century to a recognition of the inherent uncertainty and complexity involved in managing every project, in particular projects focused on the outputs of knowledge workers such as ICT and business change projects.

Does the emergence of an international standard, and the internationalisation of other standards including the dozen or more translations of the PMBOK* Guide mean project management is a standard process across all cultures and societies, or do we need cultural versions of the PMBOK Guide similar to the current industry extensions?

With the potential for GFC2 looming and an extended downturn in business continuing there is still a jobs market. The job situation in Australia and South East Asia is nowhere near as bad as in the USA or Europe and many project managers are proactively using the downturn to move their careers forward.

Project success is directly linked to a project manager’s ability to effectively identify and manage stakeholders’ expectations. It is therefore helpful to understand what makes a stakeholder!