Successful project management requires clear communication from conceptualization to completion of the project. As project managers, our top priority is to provide a high-quality service, which ultimately depends on our ability to employ robust communication techniques. Let’s look at the five phases of achieving a successful articulated outcome in our professional roles as project managers.
Initiation
Clear communication is required to lay a firm foundation at the beginning of a project. Once a project manager obtains approval for the project, conceptualizing can begin. Documentation is essential to record concept descriptions in this phase, including purpose, objectives, and desired outcome. Calculated risks should be included in this planning phase to understand all aspects and potentials.
Initial Planning
In the planning phase, the project manager is responsible for verbalizing a strategy that accomplishes the project’s objectives. This plan should include the project’s target goal, a strict timeline, and parameters for the team. Then, the project manager must choose a team, allocate duties and tasks with team members, and set a communication chain during this phase.
Plan Execution
Once the plan is outlined and documented in phase two, the project manager initiates the plan’s execution. By implementing resources to produce the program’s desired outcome, the project manager begins to manage the team and their progress and setbacks. During a plans execution phase, all aspects must be closely monitored and clear communication channels opened to ensure the project moves successfully towards its intended goal.
Control Of Project
During this phase, the project manager monitors the team’s progress to align with the projected performance in the planning phase. To ensure the target is accomplished, effective and efficient continued communication of the strategy is vital. This communication should include the collection and analysis of data, distribution and transmission of messages, and proper guidance on progress.
Project Closure
In this final stage of project closure, the project manager produces the project’s outcome to superiors, clients, and other stakeholders. While a project manager should spend a high percentage of time communicating with stakeholders throughout all five phases, including reporting on challenges and successes, this final phase is wrap-up communication. Also, in phase five, the project manager should facilitate any administrative tasks that may remain after the project.
Strategy For Success
Continued education of effective and efficient strategies is recommended for professional project managers to hone communication skills and organizational skills.