Communication was one of the most important pillars of project management. However, now communication is the only pillar of a project. This is a bold statement that I shall substantiate by the following paragraphs.
As we know project management is “Art & Science” which means that it is the application of skills, knowledge, and tools & techniques. If a project manager has the gift of the gab – really, I mean he / she knows how to communicate, they will have an edge on other project managers. A project manager is responsible for assessing the project assigned to him / her. How advantageous it would be for that savvy communicative PM to talk with the stakeholders and get their point of view of the project and establish a right rapport from the start. As we say in project management, it is the project assessment that creates the foundation for the success of the project.
Now let us review the process of “collect requirements”. We all know that it is the requirements that will drive the project scope. A project manager who can communicate adequately, responds to the stakeholders in a timely manner, and solicit requirements by skillful communication. It is imperative that collaboration between the project manager and the stakeholders is established by frequent interaction – requires bi-directional communication. That means it is probable that a PM with the best communication skills will perform this process better than other PMs.
Now a day’s communication is instant. The stakeholders use texting, email, instant messaging, cell phone etc.; They want immediate response from the PM. Hence, the PM is required to respond back immediately, and any delay will create stakeholder frustration.
A project manager must manage stakeholder expectations in every instant. The management of expectations requires communication that is quick to the point and relevant. So, if we review once again the above paragraphs, it becomes clear as a bell that ”Communication” has become the pillar of project management.