Effective communication is key to project management success. It is a great way for everyone to stay on the same page. You can create a culture that encourages information sharing between you, your stakeholders, and your team.
Contrary to popular belief project managers don’t know everything. You need to be able ask thoughtful questions and encourage collaboration by encouraging your team to request information whenever needed. This is especially important for remote teams.
These are the most important questions you and your team must ask to ensure success with your project. These questions are broken down according to project phase.
14 Questions Project Managers Should Ask Their Team
Phase of Project Initiation
How your initiation phase is conducted will determine the fate of your entire project. Communication should be focused on understanding and addressing the issues that are relevant to your stakeholders during this stage.
Q1: Who do you want to help?
Look at the business or organization of your customer. What are their business priorities What problems are they trying solve? These questions will help you decide your project’s goals.
Q2: What external and/or internal factors are affecting our client’s problem?
Do your research. Gather data and conduct interviews if necessary. Projects are rarely built in a bubble. Early exploration can help you manage expectations and predict potential factors that could impact the success of your project.
Learn more: How to host a successful Project Kickoff meeting
Phase of Project Planning
Once you have established your expectations the planning phase will ensure that you and your team have all the resources, knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to achieve them.
Q3: Do your skills and resources allow you to complete this project?
To maximize your resources, look at past projects and do some research. You should also assess the skills of your team. Do you have seasoned team members with knowledge and experience in specific areas of your project? You can avoid redundant and unnecessary tasks by taking stock of what you have.
Q4: With which parts of the plan/estimates are we most confident?
Data points are more important than feelings, but you shouldn’t ignore your gut and your team. Transparency at this stage builds trust with your team and in your approach.
Q5: What is your comfort level with our planned workflows?
It is essential to communicate with your team and work together during the next stages. Before you can agree on a communication plan, make sure everyone is there to support you. You don’t want to make them angry each time you call.
Q6: What are the worst-case scenarios we need to be prepared for and anticipate?
Be aware of contingencies when planning. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. The more complex your project is, the more likely obstacles will be to arise.
Continue reading: Best Project Management Software for 2021
Phase of Project Execution
As you manage projects, keep track of all new and relevant information. This will allow you to spot potential improvement opportunities and prevent problems.
Q7: Share with your team some of the unexpected experiences you’ve had.
Unexpected events can either be beneficial or detrimental to your success. Encourage your team members and colleagues to share their discoveries and experiences. This will help you assess your ability to manage them or use their strengths.
Q8: How do YOU feel?
It’s normal for people to be focused on deadlines and increasing pressure when things get difficult.
