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Communicating
Contents
Why communication is critical to projects
A communications model
The main channels of communication
Examples of types of communications
Filtering
Barriers to communication
Approach to communications
Conveying messages effectively
Listening
Llistening techniques
Communications planning
A Communications Model
Communication is a complex process. To better understand
this it is helpful to break this down into components. A
communications model derived from the telecommunications
industry provides a useful representation of communications.
Receiver
Source
Encoder
Message
Channel
Decoder
Personal letters
Workshops
Memos
Posters
Presentations
Newsletters
Ceremonies
Surveys
Annual reports
Voicemail
Announcements
Electronic mail
Brochures
Teleconferences
Videotapes
Audiotapes
Corridor or kitchen
conversations
Bulletin boards
Suggestion cards
The rumour mill
What is filtering?
Filtering is altering the interpretation of the message by applying
certain influences or biases.
The receiver will filter the message according to their experience
and as a result the interpretation of the message can be very
different from what was intended.
The consequence of filtering is that there can be misunderstanding
which can lead to an unexpected response.
For example, the project manager may ask a team member if the
document has been completed. The team member may interpret
this as asking whether it has been written, and not whether it has
also been reviewed and signed off.
Causes of Filtering
Some of the common areas that cause filtering are:
Language: the receiver interprets the message based on their translation
of the language to thoughts and ideas.
Culture: of the recipient and their understanding of the culture of the
environment they are in (the workplace, the organisation, the industry,
the local area and country).
Semantics: the receiver interprets the message based on their
understanding of the meaning of the words used.
Knowledge base: the receiver utilises a different knowledge base on
which to interpret the message.
Implication: the interpretation of the message may be based on
assumptions. An extreme example of implication is sarcasm, where the
opposite of what is meant to be interpreted is said
Causes of Filtering
Ethics: the ethical values of the receiver and the sender can
influence the interpretation of the message. For example the
sender may consider honesty less important than upsetting people
when reporting what happened.
Reputation: The reputation of the sender may set a predisposition
on the receiver on interpretation. For example the sender may be
reputed to exaggerate.
Organisational status: the role and position that the sender and
receiver have in the organisation may influence interpretation of the
message.
Emotional factors: the emotional loading of the words used may
differ significantly. For example the interpretation of a comment
such as its a mess.
Situational factors: the current mindset of the receiver.
For example they may be distracted by some personal
issue.
Addressing filtering
Project managers and business analysts need to be aware of how
filtering can affect communication and appreciate that just
because a message has been sent does not mean it has been
received and interpreted as expected.
To avoid problems caused by filtering it is recommended that the
sender of the message check that the message was understood
correctly by asking questions, or asking the receiver to verify their
understanding of the message.
Barriers to Communication
Barriers to communication are obstacles that restrict communication.
Some common types of barriers are:
Barriers to communication
Emotional sensitivity: for example the receiver may be particularly
sensitive to criticism.
Hidden agendas: where the person may be influencing for an
undisclosed reason.
Background noise: the level of background noise can impede effective
communication. The large number of emails now being sent is one type
of background noise that impedes its use as an effective communication
tool.
Prejudices: personal prejudices and beliefs about types of people can
impact the effectiveness of communication.
Approach to Communications
Considering the potential for filtering and barriers to
communication a project manager should consider the
following in each communication they make:
Message
Method
Timing
Communicator
Listening
Listening is a key component of communicating.
A distinction is made between hearing and listening.
True listening involves understanding.
Good listening skills are of major importance in
managing projects.
The project manager needs to hear and understand the
needs of the sponsor, team and stakeholders to be able
to produce the best results for the project in the most
effective way.
Business analysts need to listen very carefully
when gathering requirements to ensure they
are captured correctly.
Listening techniques
Some techniques to improve listening skills are:
Develop an appreciation of why we need to listen
better.
Do less talking and stop internally preparing the
next thing to say while the other person is talking.
Show you are listening pay attention to the
speaker, make supportive sounds and gestures.
Ask yourself if you have really understood what
has been said.
Paraphrase back what they have said or take notes
(depending on the context).
Communications planning
The project manager needs to develop a communications
plan for the project to ensure effective communication
during the life of the project.
The communications plan identifies all regular
communications and key one-off communications such as
the kick-off meeting and post implementation review.
The plan needs to include all types of communications,
including:
Communications plan
Guidelines
Sample meeting
Sample report
Title
Kick-of meeting
Type
Classify by type
Workshop
Written
Objective
Inform stakeholders of
progress, performance,
risk, issues and changes
Frequency
One-off
Monthly
Project sponsor
Project manager
All stakeholders
Mary Jones, Bill
Smith.
Steering committee,
major stakeholders
Dave Lee, Janet Smith
Owner
Recipient or
participant