Comments on: 3 Simple Truths of IT Project Communication

By: CrisRogers

CrisRogers — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:57:05 +0000

Project timelines and costs are rarely, if ever, absolute. The primary reason is most projects don’t have enough information to adequately estimate either the schedule or the costs.

Currency appreciation is another kettle of fish – even bullet-proof estimates are subject to change when the markets alter the valuation of currency. Thanks for the question, pushkar!

By: pushkar

pushkar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:01:16 +0000

Can you please tell me the Truth about the Project…?

1)Is the project timeline given absolute?

2)Is the project cost remain same after currency appriciation?

By: CrisRogers

CrisRogers — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 02:01:39 +0000

This is a relatively common problem (unfortunately) but the good news is that there are a few simple ‘kung-fu’ communication moves you can use.

1. Does the project require this person to change or is there some other known negative impact toward this resource? If there is, or you can figure out what it might be, search for a positive benefit that can counteract the need to change. I’ve experienced people who act this way simply because they weren’t included in the decision making or solution process. Change that if you can, even if it is an honorary position.

2. Some resources act this way for attention seeking benefits – call it malicious compliance (borrowed from a good friend – its a great explanation of this behavior). Appealing to their ego through making them accountable for results may shift the approach they take from acting out (even slight sarcasm) to performing because they are “on the hook”.

3. Ask them what’s up. As simple as this sounds, many people bottle up their feelings and asking a innocent question may allow that crud to be vented and moved out of the way. By caring about their position, you’ve validated them. Just be careful not to validate their behavior – they need to know they are valued even when their crappy attitude isn’t.

Hope this helps.
CR

By: mastiffmomma

mastiffmomma — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:48:40 +0000

I’ve got a person on my team who is not bought in on a project I’m involved with. This person is in a “communication” position and is responsible for pulling people together to make decisions. It is obvious in her correspondence that she is not dedicated to the process and would rather be doing other things. How do you deal with this type issue? I’m not in a position to make decisions about team members but this person is really putting off a lot of negative vibes. Any suggestions?