PgMP Program Management

Category - Domain 5

For which of the following should you use a formal, written communications method?
  1. Negotiating a contract
  2. Change request
  3. Asking for additional project funds or resources
  4. Telling a project team member that they did poorly their first week on the job
  5. Status report to the CEO
Explanation
Answer: A, B, C, E - The only one that doesn’t require a formal style is informing a team member they didn’t quite cut it their first week on the job. Unless their performance was really poor, a informal verbal communication with feedback on how to improve is recommended.

Key takeaway: Formal written documentation is a way of covering yourself, but also articulating the importance of a request or task. For instance, a formal request for more resources must be taken seriously be a senior manager. In organization, there are constant informal requests for more resources. “I’m overworked” or “If we only had another guy on this team” are common refrains but generally ignored. A written request says “I’m serious, this project needs more for us to get it done."
Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details