Successfully managing a project from start to finish requires skills. Scheduling, time management and the ability to negotiate with internal and external parties are all critical competencies. But the skill that is perhaps most important to project management is ‘Communication’.

Communication in project management refers to the sharing of ideas and opinions between professionals who are working on similar tasks. Usually, a priority of a project leader, communication in project management ensures that each professional working on the project is aware of the goals and expectations. This helps professionals work more efficiently and often improves the quality of their work.

Clear communication in the workplace ensures employees have the information they need to perform well, helps in building a positive work environment and eliminates inefficiencies. On the other hand, miscommunication has real consequences for a business. A survey conducted by Expert Market found that 28% of employees listed poor communication as the reason why they couldn’t finish projects on time. Miscommunication costs businesses with at least 100 employees approximately $450,000 or more a year on average.

• Effective Planning: Clear communication enables effective project planning. When project managers and team members communicate clearly, they can define and articulate project objectives, create realistic timelines, allocate resources appropriately and identify potential risks or challenges. This clarity allows for better decision-making and strategic planning.
• Efficient Collaboration: Projects involve multiple team members working together towards a common goal. Clear communication facilitates efficient collaboration by ensuring that team members have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and tasks. It helps in coordinating efforts, sharing information, and resolving conflicts or issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.
• Problem Solving: Projects often encounter obstacles and challenges. Clear communication plays a vital role in problem solving by facilitating the identification and resolution of issues. When team members can effectively and clearly communicate their concerns, propose solutions, and seek help when needed, it becomes easier to address problems promptly and keep the project on track.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Any project involves various stakeholders who have a vested interest in the project’s outcome. Clear communication helps engage stakeholders by keeping them informed about project progress, milestones, and any relevant updates. By doing this the engaged stakeholders are more likely to provide valuable feedback, support and resources which can contribute to the project’s success overall.
• Managing Expectations: Clear communication allows for managing stakeholder expectations effectively. By setting realistic expectations from the beginning and providing regular updates throughout the project stakeholders are less likely to have unrealistic expectations. This helps in maintaining trust and reducing the likelihood of dissatisfaction or conflicts.
• Risk Management: Effective communication plays a critical role in risk management. When team members can communicate potential risks, uncertainties or changes in a timely manner, project managers can assess and address those risks proactively. By keeping everyone informed, the project team can collectively work towards mitigating risks and ensuring project success.
• Transparency and Shared Understanding: Clear communication ensures that all project stakeholders, including team members, clients and other relevant parties have a shared understanding of project goals, requirements, and expectations. When everyone is on the same page, it minimizes misunderstandings and reduces the chances of errors or rework.

Without strong communication skills, project managers would find it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to effectively manage their teams and coordinate efforts to bring about a project’s successful resolution.

In summary, clear communication promotes shared understanding, effective planning, efficient collaboration, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, expectation management and risk mitigation. All these factors contribute to the overall success of a project by enhancing productivity, minimizing errors, and fostering a positive project environment.