Introduction
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) should possess adequate skills in project management in an attempt to introduce superior practices, processes, or innovations that can meet patients’ needs. Project managers (PMs) should embrace the power of effective communication whenever pursuing a specific project. This discussion describes the importance of developing and implementing an effective communication plan whenever managing a given project.
Effective Communication Plan
Projects bring together different professionals and experts to deliver positive results in a timely manner. These stakeholders undertake numerous roles and activities that determine the success of the targeted project. Synnott (2014) indicates that communication is a critical element that dictates the effectiveness of various action plans pursued in every phase of a given project. The PM is required to formulate and implement an effective communication plan.
This becomes a powerful instrument for controlling a wide range of activities, guiding participants, and informed decision-making processes. The plan details how different individuals share ideas and monitor progress. Modes of communication are also defined in every plan. This tool guides individuals and indicates the right time for every meeting.
Project managers should consider various attributes whenever developing a powerful communication plan. The first one is capturing the mission and vision of the targeted project. The plan should also define the goals and indicators of positive performance. The key players and stakeholders to be involved throughout the communication process are identified in the plan (American Nurses Association, 2015). The manager should be realistic and allocate adequate time for every activity. A plan that exhibits these aspects will make the targeted project successful. There is also a need for PMs to adjust their plans depending on every emerging issue, proposal, or challenge.
Importance
The ultimate objective of every project is to improve a certain situation and transform the experiences of the targeted beneficiaries. If this goal is to be realized, it is necessary for PMs to develop effective communication plans and implement them in a professional manner. Sipes (2016) acknowledges that a proper plan delivers numerous benefits, thereby making the targeted project successful. The first outstanding importance of an effective plan is that it outlines the communication expectations of the project.
This is true since the manager will set the right tone for any form of communication whenever pursuing different objectives. This means that the leader will use the plan to set the right standards and guide different individuals to communicate with each other. Participants will be aware of the most appropriate means of communication, such as meetings, e-mails, phone calls, and memos.
An effective communication plan is associated with proper time management. The PM will inform the key stakeholders about the outlined phases to deliver positive results. It also creates the best environment for sharing ideas, addressing emerging conflicts, and updating individuals about the project’s progress (American Nurses Association, 2015). Those involved will present concepts and resources to drive performance.
Consistency is the third importance associated with an effective communication plan. Managers can use this tool to coordinate activities, identify existing issues, and solve problems. The use of an effective plan empowers PMs to share the same information to all stakeholders and followers (Synnott, 2014). The PM will communicate any change of action in a timely manner. The inability to share ideas or update participants efficiently can result in unnecessary delays. This is a clear indication that the deliverables might not be realized within the stipulated time.
Another unique benefit of an appropriate project communication plan is that of productivity. PMs can use such plans to share ideas and identify areas that should be supported using additional resources (Synnott, 2014). Participants will also be empowered to remain productive and focus on the anticipated goals. The time taken to seek guidance will also reduce significantly. New concepts such as teamwork and collaboration will emerge, thereby driving performance.
Finally, the use of a powerful communication plan makes it easier for every PM to lead his or her followers in the right direction. When managers embrace this idea, they will figure out or identify concerns that require immediate attention. The plan will make sure that all objectives and goals are pursued diligently. The plan ensures that third-party participants are identified to offer the required support or advice. Mishaps or challenges that can affect performance will be addressed. Sipes (2016) believes that the use of a proper plan maximizes the level of communication, thereby ensuring that the completed project meets the expectations that had been outlined at the very beginning.
Conclusion
The above discussion has supported the importance of having an effective communication plan for every project. Managers who embrace such a tool will address potential challenges, solve problems, increase the level of consistency, maximize productivity, and monitor time efficiently. The plan also becomes a model for sharing ideas, identifying new resources, and delivering the identified project’s objectives in a timely manner. PMs should, therefore, be ready to develop evidence-based communication plans if they are to achieve their potential and transform their institutions.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: ANA.
Sipes, C. (2016). Project management for the advance practice nurse. New York, NY: Springer Publishers.
Synnott, L. (2014). Setting the record straight: Why you need to learn project management. Physician Executive, 40(2), 102-103.