The Importance of Communication

Ever have this happen to you: Your boss hands you a project. You’re given no direction and are essentially let out on your own to get the project done. It’s a pretty exciting feeling, isn’t it? Experiencing that sense of freedom to stretch your legs and show your boss what you’re capable of.

It comes time to present your work on the project. It’s perfect except it’s not quite feasible for one reason or another (budget, time frame, etc.). If only you had that information at the beginning, right? Now that ‘pretty excited’ feeling gives way to utter frustration. I have a feeling some of you know what I’m talking about.

With all the hands involved on a retail construction project, effective communication is paramount to get the job done well and right. Not only do all the pieces of important information (i.e., budget, time frame, etc.) need to be vocalized, but everyone needs to be speaking the same language. Design speak is different from construction speak. A great design that can’t be executed is essentially a waste of time and talent.

To keep everyone on the same page:

• Create and communicate the goals for the project upfront to everyone involved
• Schedule regular meetings to make sure everyone is on track
• Implement a program that will monitor the project’s process and immediately flag any discrepancies
• Ask for clarification when needed

Here’s a great article featured in BusinessWeek about what happens when there is a breakdown communication. Keep talking and avoid letting it happen to you.