Project Checklist: Evaluate How Well Your Team Is Communicating

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by Suzanne Bates

As fall approaches, we all gear up for the last busy few months of the year. In order to meet your deadlines, you’re going to have to work together very well as a team. That means communicating on your projects, getting clear about where things stand, setting and meeting deadlines and achieving what you set out to do at the beginning of 2008.

Below, you’ll find a checklist of questions. Take this to your team and spend 20 minutes discussing it. Or, put these questions into an electronic survey and send it out to the entire group. You will be amazed at what you learn.

Questions to Ask:
Employee Communications

• Compared with last year at this time, are projects on track and moving forward?
• Are you receiving helpful information through feedback loops?
• Have any communication lapses with employees derailed or hurt your business?
• Are the people executing the business plan motivated and excited?
• What pockets in your organization need some attention?
• How would you evaluate the overall mood of the organization?

Next steps:

• Call a team meeting and focus only on project communication issues. What could be done to improve the way people and teams are communicating with each other?
• Determine what information you need to receive through communication feedback loops. Are you learning what you need to know in a timely way to be able to step in or stay on top of progress and issues? If not, how can you get that information?
• Identify employees who have had breakdowns in communication or lapses in their communications. Make time to talk about it, ask questions, provide constructive feedback, set expectations and create accountability.
• Take a survey of your company’s employees and ask questions that help you ascertain levels of commitment, motivation and excitement about their work.
• Identify the pockets of the organization that need attention because of communication issues and set up meetings or brown bag lunches.
• Reach out to several people in your organization each day by phone and email to inquire first hand how they are feeling and what is on their minds.