Transportation Project Management

9 Communications

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

– Winston Churchill

9.1 Project Communications

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

– George Bernard Shaw

This may be the most important chapter in this book.

Project Management Institute (PMI) estimates PMs spend 85% of their time communicating with others. It is almost impossible to overemphasize the importance of consistent, effective communication between the PM, the project team, executive leadership, and internal and external stakeholders. The ability to consistently communicate effectively is foundational in order to implement much of what this book discusses. PMI studies have determined “Ineffective communications is the primary contributor to project failure one third of the time, and had a negative impact on project success more than half the time.” Given the obvious importance of communications, why do so many continue to struggle? As a PM, how should you effectively manage project communications?

Communication is not just a PM obligation or responsibility, it is fundamental to all you do. With the exceptions of perhaps risk management and operating within the triple constraint of budget, scope, and schedule, Communication is a priority that should permeate all we do. Effective project management relies on effectively controlling the flow of project information. It is imperative that you, as the ...