Confirm Details of Verbal Conversations
Problem: Verbal conversations don’t leave a paper trail for evidence of the topic of discussion or agreement. I have often found that a verbal conversation (by phone or in person) …
Communication
Specify the Due Date
When submitting any document for review (such as a design, invoice for payment, report, etc.), specify the date a response is due (perhaps 10 business days). For contractual related items …
Clarify Client Expectations
Clarify the expectations of your client. If you don’t you may find that they expect the project outcome to be a lot different than it really is. There is no …
Building Approvals
Make sure you specify in contracts and specifications that contractors are responsible for obtaining all relevant building and plumbing approvals for their work. Put that in writing but also verbally …
Evaluation of Tenders
When requesting and evaluating tenders make sure your specifications are very clear about what is required. Also check that the tenderers clearly describe what they offer. When accepting and signing …
Document Changes to the Scope Brief
Even if there is no change in cost or schedule you should still document any changes to the scope brief. Submit those as variations to the client. This way the …
Time Charge Codes
Send time charge codes with meeting and function invitations. If you send an invite/schedule booking to team members for a meeting, staff function, training etc, you should send the time …
Get To Know Your Clients
Get to know your client contact more personally, not just their project specific details. Find out their interests, other projects they are working on etc. Possibly send them useful information, …
Learn to do presentations Effectively
Presentations are often badly made, and are boring. Don’t use lots of text in a PowerPoint presentation. A few key points on each page is better. This avoids the problem …
The Importance of Good Communication
Good communication is a key skill for a project manager. Good design of the product is assumed by the client. The key to keeping things running smoothly and making the …