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Communication Skills

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Vasudev Agrawal
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1 views3 pages

Communication Skills

Uploaded by

Vasudev Agrawal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Communication Skills

Below are two contrasting scenarios that illustrate the importance of


effective written and verbal communication skills in project management:

Scenario 1: Lack of Communication Creates Chaos

Imagine a software development team working on a mobile app but having


communication breakdowns. The project manager verbally provides a high-
level overview of the desired app's features but skips creating a detailed user
story document. In the absence of a detailed document, developers,
designers, and testers rely solely on their understanding of the conversation.
A developer misinterprets a key functionality during development and they
build the feature based on their assumption, which deviates from the original
desired vision.

Alt text: Poor communication

Consequences of Poor Communication:

● Increased Misunderstandings: Without a clear user story, developers can


make assumptions that differ from the actual requirements. This leads to
the developer building a feature that does not meet expectations, causing
rework and delays.

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● Hindered Collaboration: Due to the lack of a central document, team
members might not be aware of each other's progress. The designer might
create mockups based on their understanding, which might clash with the
developer's interpretation. This creates inconsistencies and requires
additional time to reconcile.

● Delayed Decision-Making: Stakeholders, unaware of the


miscommunication and resulting delays, expect the project to progress on
schedule. When they finally discover the issue during testing, valuable time
is wasted, and they might need to make quick decisions about scaling back
features or delaying the launch date.

Scenario 2: Clear Communication Leads to Success

Imagine the same software development team working on a new mobile


app. The project manager drafts a detailed user story outlining the app's
features and functionalities. Developers, designers, and testers review and
sign off on the document. During a team meeting, the project manager
clarifies any questions and ensures everyone understands their roles and
responsibilities.

Alt text Team meeting for project discussion

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Benefits of Clear Communication:

● Reduced Misunderstandings: With a clear user story in place,


developers are less likely to misinterpret requirements. This minimises
the risk of rework and delays due to features not meeting expectations.

● Improved Collaboration: Regular meetings with clear communication


allow team members to openly share ideas, identify potential issues
(like technical limitations), and work together towards solutions.

● Enhanced Decision-Making: Stakeholders receive regular progress


reports outlining key metrics and potential challenges. This empowers
them to make informed decisions about resource allocation or project
direction.

This scenario highlights how clear communication, verbal and


docuumented, minimises misunderstandings, fosters collaboration, and
allows for informed decision-making by stakeholders, leading to a
smoother and more successful project.

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