Preface

Meet Connie Plowman. Throughout her career she has traveled the road of project management—as a project manager, sponsor, team member, and in many other project roles.

Meet Jill Diffendal. Throughout her career she has traveled the road of communication—as a writer, editor, content contributor, and in many other communication roles.

Then our two roads met, and a project was launched to write a book about project communications. We were first connected by an introductory email from a mutual colleague—one of many different forms of communication that took place on this project. As we wrote this book, we found ourselves using, practicing, and experimenting with the same project communication practices that you will read about in these pages.

Like many project teams starting out, there was uncertainty, both about the project and with each other. We eliminated uncertainty by developing, and using, a project communications management plan. We made changes when the plan needed adjustment. We set clear expectations, listened to each other’s ideas, provided feedback, communicated with stakeholders, used many different tools and techniques to effectively communicate—including our talents and strengths—and ultimately, built trust.

We do not present this book as the “be all, end all” in project communications. Rather, it is a resource to encourage you to broaden the way you look at communicating on projects, and to offer insights, tools, and techniques to bring that perspective into your projects.

Effective communication leads to project success. We know it. We experienced it. We completed the book on time, within scope, and under budget.

When it comes to project communications, we walk the talk. So can you!