Why a project manager should use a communication plan?

Key factors in project management communication

Within the wider bracket of your project management communication process, there are several factors that define how effectively your communication strategy performs.

Therefore, in order to optimize for success, the following are some of the factors, an effective communication process must center around:

Why a project manager should use a communication plan?

Objectives

Every message that’s sent out in the project management process, either to internal teams or to external stakeholders should have a specific project objective attached to it so the recipient can take action and close the loop.

Audience

The audience in question refers to the recipient(s) (internal or external) of any messages sent out in the project management communication process. One primary objective of every message sent out to an audience must be to convey meaning as easily as possible so the audience can take appropriate action with minimal or no friction.

Message

Messages sent out to project management stakeholders must be tailored both to convey meaning to the audience in an ideal fashion and as well, in a manner that’s within the capability of the originating stakeholder/source of the message.

Channels

Clearly define communication channels for keeping stakeholders in the loop regarding any project under management.

How to create a project communication plan?

Project management communication plan helps you communicate with the project teams and stakeholders. It also determines how information is shared and delivered to everyone who is involved with the project. Now that you know how an effective communication process is critical to a project’s success, there are steps you can take to create and maintain an effective project management communication plan that works for your needs.

These include:

  • Analyze your needs. Consult relevant staff and find out exactly what they need to do their best work.
  • Assign responsible staff to undertake specific parts of the process.
  • Analyze your communications process to uncover any stages where upgrades or improvements may be needed for optimum productivity.
  • Keep iterating your communication process to stay relevant to your needs.

With the guidelines we’ve offered you above, detailing how to set up and manage an effective project management communication plan, there are as well, widely-accepted project management best practices you can incorporate at the different levels of your project management communication process to create a project management system that works for stakeholders to get work done as seamlessly as possible.

Let’s look at the four steps on how to write a project management communication plan.

Why a project manager should use a communication plan?

1. Fill in as many variables as possible.

Don’t leave any stakeholders guessing the (i). what, (ii). who, (iii). why, (iv). how, or (v). where any information is passed along to them. Stakeholders must be able to grasp the meaning and make decisions as soon as information gets to their stage of the process.

This way, there’s consensus without sacrificing time from actually getting work done.

2. Build for your team

Ultimately, it’s your team that’ll eventually have to use whatever strategy you create so it’s best to keep their considerations and feedback at every point of building a communication process.

3. Be flexible

Keep what works no matter how aged it is; toss out what doesn’t work no matter how trendy it is, or how much effort has gone into it. Prioritize for efficiency and actually solve real-life communications problems.

4. Choose the right tools

Using the right project communication tools to communicate is critical for a project’s success. You can use,

  • Emails,
  • Chat software,
  • In-person meetings,
  • Project collaboration tools, or
  • Combination of all of these.

Successful projects rely on effective communication

With effective communication practices and processes, you can eliminate misunderstandings around project goals and objectives. There are going to be fewer conflicts. Team members and stakeholders will be on the same page. Planning for communication means that you take the time, early in the project planning process, to understand stakeholders and how they want to be communicated. This means they’re more engaged and committed to the success of your project.

Having a project management software like Kissflow Project can help you streamline communication in the project and align teams better.

More Resources


  • 10 Best Project Management Tools for Every Project Managers in 2021
  • Google Project Management Software: 6 Tools to Help Address the One Weakness of G-Suite
  • What is Project Scope Management and Why is it Important?
  • How to Stay Organized at Work – 9 Simple Steps
  • 10 Essential Project Management Skills for Project Managers

Why is a communication plan important in project management?

A communication plan should be seen as the groundwork of your project. It outlines exactly how you're going to get things done, and how you are going to get that across to your team members clearly and without wasting time. Communication plans matter because effective communication is critical to a project's success.

What is a communication plan in project management?

In project management, a communication plan is an outline of how you're going to communicate important, ongoing project information to key stakeholders. Your communication plan will help your team understand who should be getting which notifications and when to loop in project stakeholders.

What is the purpose of a communication plan?

The purpose of a Communication Plan is to define who needs to be aware of and informed about the project, how and how often information will be distributed, and who will be responsible for the distribution. It is a part of the overall Project Management Plan.