The Women's Link

Getting on the Same Page:
5 Tips to Improving Project Communication

When you’re working on a group project, a lot can go wrong — and almost all of it can be traced back to poor communication. So nip communication issues in the bud and help keep projects on the right track with these simple tips: Read More

1. Create tasks lists — and check that everybody has the same version. Make sure the team has not only clearly defined the goals and objectives of the project, but that the specific responsibilities are assigned, because anything not specifically assigned to an individual is either not going to get done — or get done multiple times and in potentially conflicting ways!

2. Listen. It’s always important to listen, but never more so than when working with a team. Give your team members your undivided attention: that means no email, no phone and no multi-tasking. Yes, you’re busy — but so are your team members. And not only do they deserve respect but by really paying attention, you’ll cut down on your own errors — and catch any of theirs!

3. Restate. Sure, you think you’ve heard exactly what somebody said — you were, after all, listening with your undivided attention! But it never hurts to restate, repeat and rephrase. By doing so, everybody will be more confident that you are all on the same page regarding what needs to be done — and who needs to do what. Make sure one person on the team is responsible for sending out an email summary — though everyone on the team is responsible for actually reading it!

4. Understand individual styles of processing information. Some people think best aloud, brainstorming and talking. Others come up with their best ideas when they have time to process on their own. Don’t shut out either style — provide some time for debate and some time for reflection.

5. Follow-up regularly. Provide status updates on your portion of the project — and make sure to pay close attention to your coworkers’ updates.

With a few steps, a little bit of effort and communication, your projects will flow smoother — and make you glad that you’re working on a team.

Career Corner: Getting on the Same Page: 5 Tips to Improving Project Communication When you’re working on a group project, a lot can go wrong — and almost all of it can be traced back to poor communication. So nip communication issues in the bud and help keep projects on the right track with these simple tips: Read More 1. Create tasks lists — and check that everybody has the same version. Make sure the team has not only clearly defined the goals and objectives of the project, but that the specific responsibilities are assigned, because anything not specifically assigned to an individual is either not going to get done — or get done multiple times and in potentially conflicting ways! 2. Listen. It’s always important to listen, but never more so than when working with a team. Give your team members your undivided attention: that means no email, no phone and no multi-tasking. Yes, you’re busy — but so are your team members. And not only do they deserve respect but by really paying attention, you’ll cut down on your own errors — and catch any of theirs! 3. Restate. Sure, you think you’ve heard exactly what somebody said — you were, after all, listening with your undivided attention! But it never hurts to restate, repeat and rephrase. By doing so, everybody will be more confident that you are all on the same page regarding what needs to be done — and who needs to do what. Make sure one person on the team is responsible for sending out an email summary — though everyone on the team is responsible for actually reading it! 4. Understand individual styles of processing information. Some people think best aloud, brainstorming and talking. Others come up with their best ideas when they have time to process on their own. Don’t shut out either style — provide some time for debate and some time for reflection. 5. Follow-up regularly. Provide status updates on your portion of the project — and make sure to pay close attention to your coworkers’ updates. With a few steps, a little bit of effort and communication, your projects will flow smoother — and make you glad that you’re working on a team.	Click here to view events in your area “I have learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a 'life’.” – Maya Angelou “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank

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