Choosing the appropriate medium (oral – written – hybrids)
Contents |
Abstract
Communication is a key pillar in a project, and it has a great influence on the success of a project. A typical project manager uses around 80% of their time on communication, and this communication itself plays a big role in projects and project management [1] . One of the essential things to understand and master as a project manager, is how to create a communication that thrives throughout the project. The project manager needs to excel in choosing the appropriate ways of communicating based on what messages they are sending and who are receiving a given message. [2]
The communication processes always goes through a medium – different people respond better to different forms of communications and the medium it is delivered through. The chosen medium therefore also contributes to how the messages are delivered and understood by the receiver. Assessing the people involved in a project and determining on the appropriate communication medium based on this, and can therefore have an effective influence on how the messages are received and also avoid miscommunication.
Not two people are alike, and that extends to each individuals own learning styles [3], the way they receive and interpret messages and information. Some might need to hear the hear message where others want to read the messages in order to better process what is being communicated. The above taken into consideration, the ideal choice of medium is not based on the senders' preferences alone, but must include the receiver as well.
This article seeks to further investigate the different mediums a message is delivered through; what are the characteristic of these; and how do they benefit or compromise the messages being sent. Furthermore, this paper delves into the concept of applying a deeper understanding of mediums within:
- Peoples perspectives, wishes and/or goals
- Understanding how to choose the most appropriate medium, based on the perception of the person receiving the messages.
- The core essence of the message being communicated.
The overall aim is to equip the project manager with knowledge on how to choose the appropriate communication medium for an effective communication
The Big Idea
Limitations
Annotated bibliography
References
- ↑ Geraldi, J., Thuesen, C., Oehmen, J., & Stingl, V. (2017). Doing Projects. A Nordic Flavour to Managing Projects: DS-handbook 185:2017. Dansk Standard.
- ↑ Abudi, G. (2013). Managing communications effectively and efficiently. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2013—North America, New Orleans, LA. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute
- ↑ Fleming, N., and Baume, D. (2006) Learning Styles Again: VARKing up the right tree!, Educational Developments, SEDA Ltd, Issue 7.4, Nov. 2006, p4-7.)
