Effective communication is like the glue that makes projects successful in the professional world. As projects become complicated and teams more diverse, clear communication becomes even more crucial. Think of it as the special ingredient that can make or break a project, especially in the competitive market where how well you convey can be the deciding factor between project success and failure.
When communication breaks down in project teams, it's like hitting a roadblock. This can result in missed deadlines, overspending, and even project failure. Take a team with diverse backgrounds and communication styles. It’s like trying to put a jigsaw puzzle together with pieces that don’t fit. Project managers, who are like the conductors of this diverse orchestra, need to make sure that information is shared accurately and completely to keep everything in harmony.
To top it all, technology is moving at lightning speed, bringing in new ways for people to intercommunicate, like instant messaging and virtual collaboration tools. It's like upgrading from sending letters to texting or hopping on a video call. While these tools help us connect, they also bring their own challenges. Trying to figure out what someone really means in a text or dealing with too many messages at once can make project communication more complicated.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) Mile Hi Chapter, a not-for-profit professional membership association, is a global leader dedicated to advancing the project management profession. With over 45 years of experience, PMI Mile Hi Chapter has been at the forefront of establishing best practices, providing education, and fostering a community of project management professionals.
PMI Mile Hi Chapter understands the aforementioned challenges. They offer different programs to help people improve a professional’s communication skills. The organization wants to make sure that members, no matter their age or background, have access to the knowledge and connections they need to succeed. It's like going to a communication gym where you can work on your skills, whether you're just starting in project management or looking to level up.
To shed light on the importance of effective communication, James McCoy, President of the PMI Mile-Hi Chapter, emphasizes the critical role communication plays in successful project delivery. He is an experienced leader with 35 years of project management and leadership experience, who has been a part of the organization since 2001, providing education and support to members, mentorship, volunteer activities, and networking to assist them in their professional and personal development.
"Communication is what holds everything together like glue.," says McCoy. "I think society has come a long way in terms of diversity, inclusion, and education, and there are lots of different rules and regulations out there. Ultimately, it's about connecting, caring, being active, listening, helping, and communicating. Sure, things can change, businesses can change, and technology can change too, but it all boils down to communication. Good communication is something you can stick with and it's important for everyone, no matter their age, business, or technology."
McCoy also brings attention to technology-driven isolation, especially among the younger generation. McCoy urges individuals to sharpen their interpersonal skills, explore various communication styles, and embrace both traditional and digital modes of interaction.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize project management tools, processes, and workflows. As agile development models and product management become more popular, traditional roles are being reimagined. The integration of AI with machine learning (ML) will bring about significant changes, such as automating tasks and improving communication with AI-powered tools. However, the human touch will always be necessary in everything that we do.
Gartner predicts that by 2030, AI will be responsible for 80% of all project management tasks. McCoy sees the potential of AI to be a game-changer in the need for people to be able to adapt and understand. "As technology changes, human expertise and good communications in project management is essential to drive changes, adjust course, and use new systems correctly," he says. "Instead of worrying about technological changes, professionals should focus on making smart adjustments to make sure projects keep running smoothly."
Embracing effective communication practices and staying attuned to industry developments will be key to navigating the ever-changing project management terrain. The efforts of organizations like PMI and insights from leaders like James McCoy shine a light on how important communication is for steering projects toward success in today's professional world.
Media Contact:
Name: James McCoy, PMP
Email: [email protected]
