PMcrunch

As leaders, Project Managers and Program Managers need to communicate clearly.  Project communication is a tricky thing, and among other things, it is influenced greatly but what we see in the world, and what we see is shaped by what I call the "color of our glasses".  Understanding that everyone wears different colored glasses, and seeking to understand what color of glasses each person wears, is import to project and program success.

Many times, we are sure of what we saw.  And we are right…well maybe not all of the time, but perhaps most!  But that does not mean that was we saw is the same thing someone else saw.  It is amazing how many interpretations we can have of the same thing.  Everyone sees from different colored glasses!

A non-work example is a football game.  Having played in many myself, albeit a long time ago, there are certain memories of those games that really stick out for me.  Those are MY experiences, MY perceptions, even though I was very much sharing the experience of that game with my teammates, the coaches, and the fans.  But what has always been amazing is how much everyone could talk about a game once it was over, and continuously learn new things about what actually happened.  Each person had a very personal experience for one thing.  But it was amazing how much you could learn and see that you previously missed when you look at the films AFTER a game.  You can look at those films over and over again and see something new each time.

Our perceptions are influenced by many things.  These things include:

1. Background in the field.
2. Prior experiences.
3. Concerns and focuses at that moment.
4. Field of engagement at that moment.
5. Language or vocabulary.
6. Emotions.

I have listed 6 that come immediately to mind, but there are many more.  The fact is, everyone on the project team, everyone that is part of the program, all suppliers, stakeholders…have a different profile when it comes to these and other factors.  In the tapestry of human experience we all wear different colored glasses!

Project teams have a special challenge with this because of their temporary nature.  Project teams come together, and when the project is over, they disband.  Everyone comes in with their unique color of glasses, and everyone leaves with a slightly different color than they started with, altered by the experience of the project.  So, unlike working with many of the same people in a controlled environment for years, we need to adapt more to "where the other person is coming from".

How can we deal with this?  That’s actually what project management is all about!  Have a detailed, carefully considered project plan.  Involve other people at every step possible, at least communicating developments.  Create common reference documents and times, such as meeting minutes, updates, rallying points, and meeting times.  Create a small town culture on your projects, creating a feeling of inclusion and openness. 

Everyone has their own personal style, but most of the elements are the same.  The idea is to build communication bridges among all stakeholders, to accept and recognize different colors of glasses, and to adjust rapidly when this might be falling short.
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John Reiling, PMP
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