Communication in Project Management: 10 Gems from Jules

What makes a great project manager? How can women use their natural talents efficiently and effectively to lead a team for project results? I would like to share some powerful lessons learned from our outstanding Web design project manager, Jules Inda, from the Carney Group.

1. Be kind and respectful but persistent. Plant the seeds to persuade.
2. Be patient and pace it well. Know the right timing for each part of the project. Know when to step up, intensify or step back. When do we wait?  When do we sprint?
3. Ask the hard questions to discover the essence of what team members need to do their best.
4. Be polite and social but know where to draw the line.
5. Know your team players very well.  What are their work habits? Are they night owls or morning larks?
6. Predict and prevent problems based on past experience.
7. Constantly set clear priorities based on the timing and the work flow.
8. Use the right voice inflections on the phone to set the pace, convey a deadline or smooth difficult decisions.
9.  Check on understanding often. Explain terminology from the different disciplines. Create an atmosphere where all questions are welcomed. Make no assumptions.
10.  Take time out for yourself and celebrate success!

Ode to Jules

Polite and persistent,

Patience, properly timed,

Knowing players and the path.

Planting seeds for spring release,

Persuasive and predicting problems,

Setting priorities and giving perspective.

Did I mention persistent?

Introducing Coaching Con Cariño

I close my letters in Spanish with con cariño. Is this too personal for business? In speech coaching, what is the line between personal and professional? Our communication style is the essence of who we are. Trying to make changes in how we speak involves more than drill work. It evokes strong emotions which takes a supportive coach to unravel. Undoing of old patterns that no longer serve you well can be stressful.

The challenge is to unleash the true you in a manner conducive to business settings. Some of my Latina clients feel like they have to turn off their natural enthusiasm to do business. This is especially true in a North American context, where words alone communicate all ,without gestures or facial expression. I believe that being expressive is not an on off switch but more like a dimmer switch in your control.

Here are 3 suggestions for making a cultural communication style transition:

1. Get feedback from both your Latina and American-born friends. You will be surprised at the variety of their perceptions. Spend time with people who appreciate your natural style so you can relax.

2. In different business settings, observe how others use gestures, facial expression and express emotions. Keep a log.

3. Try to develop a flexible style based on business needs. This will serve you well for your next promotion.

 This spring, I am excited to offer a new program for Latina women, called “Coaching Con Cariño”. We will start with a conversation group for Spanish instructors and interpreters. The focus will be activating your abstract academic vocabulary and formulating responses to high level questions. Leave your fears behind you and build on the power of your enthusiasm to discuss high level topics such as films, culture and critical thinking. Call the Accent Expert at 651-699-9233 about times and places to meet.