Helping managers & teams understand how to communicate better is especially important they they are to achieve their goals and make progress the organization’s objectives. In his book, Project Management, As if People Mattered, Robert Graham cites the perpetual problem of poor communication as the cause of so many project failures.
Project post mortems reveal the frequent comment, “We have to communicate better!”
Dr. Graham postulated that this problem was so pervasive that there must be some kind of reward for poor communication. As strange as it may sound, he investigated and found 14 benefits – or rewards – for poor communication.
Consider these reasons as to why poor communication will continue wreak havoc in your organizations:
- Establishes mystique
- Builds power base
- Cuts down on questions
- Permits faster decision-making
- Minimizes impact of poor planning
- Prevents sharing of ideas and corresponding credit
- Discourages competitive creative thinking
- Minimizes opposition and criticism
- Easier to deny what you said later on
- Allows you to change your mind
- Masks true intent
- Enables two different interpretations at one time
- Avoids confrontation
- Helps you to say “No!” nicely
Being aware of these dynamics may help you be more realistic in your assessment of communication quality. Until then, expect that honest communication will continue to be a source of trouble.
Can you think of any others that may be at work in your projects or organization? Would you like to explore ways to reverse this trend and begin to reward good communications in your organization?
Kolinger & Associates helps organizations with workforce transformation issues. Contact us for a FREE 1 hour assessment
Request a Free Assessment
At no cost, we will spend up to one hour in person or on the phone to listen to your concerns about the project. If you are located within or near the Bay Area we will visit in person. If you are more than 2-hours outside of the Bay Area we can conduct the assessment over the phone or web-meeting. Within three business days you will receive a written summary report of our expert assessment and recommendations. You get the benefit of an expert, neutral, third party review of your situation.
You may use this assessment as the basis for an action plan that you carry out with your team. Or if desired, we have excellent resources with the ability to handle most remedial work.
There is no cost orobligation for this service.
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