1st Edition

Effective Communications for Project Management

By Ralph L. Kliem Copyright 2007
    234 Pages 50 B/W Illustrations
    by Auerbach Publications

    Effective communication on projects is a challenging, ongoing process for project managers and stakeholders at all levels within an organization. Project managers experience  the greatest challenge due to the nature of their position. They set up and regulate communications that support a project overall. 

    Effective Communications for Project Management examines elements of effective communications and describes the role that a Project Management Information System (PMIS) has in helping project managers become better communicators. Based on the author’s practical experience and insight as a project and program manager, the book describes the role of personaltiy and its effect on the communications process. It also details the seven elements of effective communications:

    • Applying active and effective listening
    • Preparing the communications and establishing an issues management process
    • Drafting and publishing documentation
    • Conducting meetings
    • Giving effective presentations
    • Developing and deploying a project website
    • Building a project war room

    Containing examples and checklists that are adaptable to almost any project environment, this book is an invaluable resource that not only demonstrates how to attain effective communications, but also how communications can effect a project’s bottom line.

      THE ELEMENTS OF PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS
    Understanding the Communications Process
    The Communications Process
    Sender and Receiver
    Message
    Medium
    Feedback
    Variables
    Setting
    At the Center
    A Difficult Process
    Getting Started
    PROJECT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (PMIS)
    Definition and Components
    Key Characteristics
    Roles
    Developing an Automated PMIS
    Data vs. Information
    Types of Repositories
    Fine Distinction
    Never-Ending Construction
    Getting Started
    PERSONALITY STYLE AND COMMUNICATIONS
    Caveats
    Many Models
    Myers-Briggs Temperament
    Birkman Model
    Color Code
    Multiple Intelligences
    Enneagram
    Herrmann Brain Dominance
    Organizational Engineering
    Many More Models
    Getting Started
    APPLYING ACTIVE AND EFFECTIVE LISTENING
    PMIS Contributions
    Active and Effective Listening
    Two Important Reasons
    Why Few People Listen Effectively and Actively
    Four Steps for Effective and Active Listening
    Hear
    Clarify
    Interpret
    Respond
    Most Important Skill
    Getting Started
    PREPARING THE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ESTABLISHING THE ISSUES MANAGEMENT PROCESS
    PMIS Contributions
    Communications Management Plan
    Purpose
    Characteristics
    Challenges
    Implementation Suggestions
    Issues Management
    Getting Started
    DRAFTING AND PUBLISHING DOCUMENTATION
    PMIS Contributions
    Why Writing Matters
    Too Little Importance
    PM as Writer
    Documentation Phases
    Defining Readers
    Determining Goals
    Conducting Research
    Preparing an Outline
    Creating the Document
    Properness
    Conducting the Review
    Revising the Manuscript
    Receiving Approval or Disapproval
    Publishing or Distributing the Document
    Maintaining and Updating Documents
    Different Types of Supporting Material
    Common Types of Documentation
    The Project Manual
    The Right Amount
    Getting Started
    CONDUCTING MEETINGS
    PMIS Contributions
    Reasons for Meetings
    Reasons for Meeting Failure
    Indicators of Poor Meetings
    Key Steps for Successful Meetings
    Planning the Meeting
    Conducting the Meeting
    Following Up on Results
    Passing through the Impasse
    Dealing with “Bad Eggs”
    Worst and Best of Times
    Virtual Meetings
    Rules for Meetings
    Getting Started
    GIVING EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS
    PMIS Contributions
    Many Opportunities to Present
    Loss of Effectiveness
    Types of Presentations
    Characteristics of an Effective Presentation
    Preparation
    Rehearsal
    Delivery
    Post-Delivery
    Summary
    Getting Started
    DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING A WEB SITE
    PMIS Contributions
    Three Main Advantages
    Two Main Challenges
    Important Guidelines
    Sharing And Visibility
    Getting Started
    BUILDING WAR ROOMS
    PMIS Contributions
    Many Pluses
    Key Steps
    Challenges
    Getting Started
    THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
    REFERENCES
    GLOSSARY
                

    Biography

    PMP Kliem, Ralph L.