Concepts
Effective communication, particularly in high stakes environments like construction project management, is a critical skill. For anyone making an effort to pass the PMI Construction Professional (PMI-CP) exam, understanding and applying strategies to subvert resistance and secure support is of paramount importance. Let us consider the different approaches that professionals can employ to achieve this objective.
1. Proactive Communication:
Communication should not be reactive; instead, it should be proactive. By actively communicating the objectives, benefits, potential challenges, and plan of action, project managers can garner support from stakeholders. In addition, proactive communication empowers stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions and reduce resistance.
For instance, let’s imagine a scenario where a construction project significantly exceeds its initial budget due to material costs increase. By proactively addressing this issue with stakeholders, explaining the reasons behind it, and suggesting possible solutions, managers can receive support and reduce pushback.
2. Empathy:
Empathy is critical in communication. Each stakeholder will have their concerns and perspectives, and understanding these can help in tailoring the communication accordingly. By being empathetic, project managers can identify stakeholder needs, anticipate potential resistance, and craft messages that address specific concerns.
Consider a situation where a new construction methodology is to be implemented. Stakeholders could resist due to lack of knowledge about this methodology or fear of risk. By using empathy in communication, a project manager can address these concerns, explain the benefits, and provide reassurances to secure support.
3. Negotiation:
Negotiation is not just about compromise, but it also includes persuading and influencing others. Good negotiation skills can help a project manager secure essential stakeholder support.
Suppose a construction project runs into a permit issue and needs additional funding to resolve it. The project manager can use negotiation skills to persuade stakeholders to allocate additional funds, ensuring the project’s successful completion.
4. Feedback:
Providing and receiving feedback is a crucial component of successful communication. Regular feedback allows a project manager to understand stakeholder concerns, fix miscommunications, and adapt their approach to help overcome resistance.
For example, if stakeholders express confusion about a new construction technology being adopted, the manager can provide more information or perhaps demonstrations to clarify and gain their backing.
Understanding and applying these strategies will not only help in achieving the PMI-CP certification but also in succeeding as a construction project manager. Here’s a summary of the various approaches for reference:
| – | Proactive Communication | Empathy | Negotiation | Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principle | Communicating objectives and plans actively | Understanding and addressing stakeholder concerns | Persuading and influencing stakeholders | Adapting approach through feedback |
| Example | Addressing budget overruns proactively | Addressing concerns on new methodologies | Securing additional funding through negotiation | Clarifying confusions via regular feedback |
Remember, high-impact communication is not about conveying your message but about ensuring that it is received, understood, and acted upon favorably. Practice and improve these skills to become a better communicator and succeed in construction project management.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Resistance to change often comes from a lack of understanding and communication.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Most of the time, people resist change because they don’t understand why it is being implemented. High-impact communication can clarify these points and reduce resistance.
Which of the following are approaches to overcome resistance and secure support in construction project management? Multiple select.
- A. Implement changes without communication
- B. Deliver a well-structured and assertive presentation
- C. Openness and transparency about the reasons and effects of the changes
- D. Ignore the concerns of the workers
Answer: B, C
Explanation: High impact communication often requires structuring messages clearly, being transparent, and addressing concerns among workers.
In dealing with resistance, the PM must:
- A. Avoid confrontations
- B. Clearly communicate the why and how of the change
- C. Ignore the resistance
Answer: B
Explanation: Clear communication about the reasons for change can lessen doubt and insecurity, and therefore helps reduce resistance.
True or False: Securing support for a change can be achieved through effective communication, such as conducting meetings, giving presentations, and feedback sessions.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Effective communication techniques include delivering clear messages, providing feedback, and listening to employees’ concerns.
The best way of communicating complex changes in a construction project is:
- A. Issuing a paper memo
- B. One-on-one verbal communication
- C. Group meetings
- D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Depending on the complexities and the nature of changes, various communication methods may be effective.
True or False: Listening to the team’s concerns and doubts can create hostility.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Listening to the team’s concerns and doubts will increase their trust and can provide essential feedback.
Actively seeking out employees’ thoughts, doubts, and suggestions is a part of:
- A. Low impact communication
- B. High impact communication
- C. Passive-aggressive behavior
Answer: B
Explanation: High impact communication often involves active listening, where opinions from all stakeholders are gathered and considered.
True or False: High impact communication is merely about delivering clear messages.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: High impact communication also involves receiving feedback, active listening, and understanding the concerns or doubts of the team.
The most effective way to address resistance to change is to:
- A. Immediately terminate those who resist
- B. Openly communicate why the change is necessary
- C. Ignore any resistance
Answer: B
Explanation: Open communication can address doubts and concerns, thereby reducing resistance.
Being transparent about changes in project management is:
- A. Unnecessary if the changes are minor
- B. Always vital for high impact communication
- C. Only necessary if asked by the team
Answer: B
Explanation: Transparency assures the team their work and trust are valued and reduces uncertainty, an element of high impact communication.
Great insights on overcoming resistance in construction projects!
I agree, high impact communication is crucial for securing support from stakeholders.
Can anyone explain how to implement a communication plan in PMI-CP?
Thanks for posting. This is very helpful!
What strategies do you use for overcoming resistance to change in your projects?
The blog mentions high impact communication. Can someone expand on that?
Appreciated the detailed examples provided in the post.
Found this a bit basic, could you dive deeper into specific methodologies next time?