Project communication management is probably the most important part of any project — and this is especially true in a LEED project. Project managers understand the importance of good communication skills and make sure that LEED project stakeholders are informed of the project status. But often even the best communication efforts can run into some bumps during the project…
When you think of “perfect” projects, you see visions of happy team members working together, helping one another, problem solving, and getting the project completed on time and on budget. Sometimes, though, you can have a nightmare team member who doesn’t “play well with others.” Learning how to communicate with that difficult player can often make or break your project.
In one of my LEED projects, the LEED project sponsor was less-than-personable. As a structural engineer, he preferred to markup drawings by hand and work in front of a computer instead of interacting with people. (He was also a Director who loved intimidating and making people feel uncomfortable.)
To make matters worse, he was not only the LEED project sponsor and company Director, but he was also the Client sponsor. (Talk about pressure!) So he had the client’s ear and would often make decisions, deadlines and promises without consulting me or the other team members.
As a project manager, having this personality on my LEED project team made it challenging — and frustrating. And it was maddening not only to me, but to other project team members as well. I eventually figured out ways to deflect the obstacles, absorb the shock and move the project forward to a successful conclusion — Gold Certification! But it was a struggle….
I’d really like to hear from you. How would you handle a LEED project team member that seems to be working against you