ABSTRACT
As the original quote at the beginning of this chapter suggests, communication is vital to everything else in a project. Any successful project manager would spend 90% of his or her time on communication activities. This is a vital function that is even more crucial in STEPs. Communications management refers to the functional interface between individuals and groups within the project environment. This involves proper organization, routing, and control of information needed to facilitate work. Good communication is in effect when there is a common understanding of information between the communicator and the target. Communications management facilitates unity of purpose in the project environment. The success of a project is directly related to the effectiveness of project communication. From the author’s experience, most project problems can be traced to a lack of proper communication. Communication is achieved through a variety of means beyond verbal exchanges (Mooz et al, 2003; PMI, 2004). Telling, showing, and direct involvement are all effective modes of communication. A Chinese proverb says,
Tell me, and I forget; Show me, and I remember; Involve me, and I understand.
