Communication

Of all the reading I've done regarding project management and risks - the one major risk identified over and over is intrapersonal communication. As defined in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpersonal_communication ' - Interpersonal communication is the process of sending and receiving information'. I'm in total agreement that this is the top risk for any project and the more people and groups involved the more critical it is to include some level of effort/time in developing and improving our communication skills. Some basics:

• Consistent and constant communication helps
• Feedback is essential - if nothing more then repeating back the same message
  
• Don't assume anything
• Provide, in your message, the intended feedback and timing of the feedback
• Determine your communication plan during the planning phase and utilize prior best practices and knowledge
• Understand that everyone (EVERYONE) communicates and understands differently, it's your responsibility to understand this and adjust your communication appropriately
• Repeating the same message in various formats, contents, etc. helps
• The medium always effects the message and IS SOMETIMES THE MESSAGE ITSELF
• Measure your communication effectiveness and adjust - if you think that person A never understands, perhaps it you're communication ability that is lacking