While the grammar in the title is offensive, I think it captures the attitude many project managers have towards their communication skills. Everybody thinks they're a good communicator, particularly those with well recognized technical skills. But the vast majority of project managers are poor communicators largely because they use the same communication techniques and style for every stakeholder, team member and sponsor with whom they deal.
Project managers must communicate with people who possess a wide range of personality types. We deal with extroverts who enjoy discussion, debate and like to think on their feet. The way you communicate to the extroverts in your meeting is very different from the best communication technique for the introverts who want time to think and internalize the information before making a decision or even expressing an opinion.
These differences in communication techniques are not just how you talk but also how you organize your PowerPoint presentation, what body language techniques you should use, the structure of the presentation, what kind of information you give them advanced and how you follow up afterwards.
Take a look at the video lecture on presenting to diverse personality types with 10 minutes the scene from project meeting with project managers who are failing and then see them adapt their communication style to the audience and they are much better securing approval in building support.
Very truly yours,
Dick Billows, PMP, GCA
President 4pm.com
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