Perception filters

Perception filtering is the subconsciously selection on a subset out of a large number of present stimuli at any time . This focus is individual and determined by biological, cultural and language prerequisites as well as values and thinking styles . The process is necessary since the cognitive and physical capacity of individuals to process and response to a large number of information's is limited .

Management of decision making as is driven by a dynamic complexity. This is determined by the underlying of the problem itself and the "behavioural complexity" of group effects. (Roth Senge 1999). It is necessary for a manager to manage the interactions between stakeholders effective to ensure successful cooperation towards project outcomes and realization of benefits. The three main pillars of communication management are Planning communication, distributing communication and monitoring the impact of communication with the goal to increase the understanding among various stakeholders, providing accurate unbiased Information and minimize risk . Perception filters are a significant factor in consideration how communication should be delivered.

Types of filters

• Biological/ Genetic
• Language/ Culture
• Believes/ Values
• Thinking styles

Business behaviour

Relative Interpretation It is known that the acknowledgement of a message is a personal interpretation of the message. The differences in perceptions become bigger the more descriptions are use and the more feelings are involved.

Translation by filters

Blocking by filters When a long message is delivered, filters can cause parts of the message to be blocked. If a message includes emotional and business related parts, the several parts are referred to the personal framework and can be disregarded as being not relevant.

Mind dancing

With manging the perception filters actively a project manager is able to influence the stakeholders expectations. This "mind dancing" approach creates the opportunity to have satisfied customers although the project scope is not completely fulfilled. As a project is not only determined by the results but more by the customers satisfaction the success can be increased with this approach. The first step is recognizing the existing of perception and filters in projects and teams. With this acknowledgement and ability to use this filters, strong project teams and stakeholder connections can be formed. Negative filters can be compensated with increasing positives for example by finding a personal connection. The most common example is to find a shared interest. Having something in common, is a starting point of building trust and therefore is lowering negative filters. Exploring the others interests besides the project and work lowering the walls and opens the filters one after the other. With this increased knowledge it is possible to understand the others personal project interests better and gain a better foundation to make decisions on .