275: How to Talk With Your Executive Leaders About Projects with Lenka Pincot
Sep 29, 2024
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Lenka Pincot, Chief of Staff at the Project Management Institute, is a pro at communicating project value to executives. She emphasizes the necessity of translating technical project details into impactful business language. Lenka discusses the importance of aligning project outcomes with organizational goals and building strong relationships with executive leaders. She shares strategies for project managers to enhance their communication skills and climb the corporate ladder by demonstrating bravery, innovative thinking, and trust in their interactions.
Effective communication with executives requires project managers to translate technical project details into terms that highlight business value and outcomes.
Building a strong partnership through open dialogue and regular meetings allows project managers to align their initiatives with executive priorities and business strategies.
Deep dives
Importance of Effective Communication with Executives
Successful communication with executives is crucial for project management effectiveness. Project managers often struggle because they convey technical information that executives may not understand, leading to a misalignment of goals. Translating complex project details into business terms helps bridge this gap, ensuring that executives grasp the project's relevance to organizational objectives. Project managers must prioritize understanding what executives want, which typically includes business growth, customer satisfaction, and long-term success, rather than merely adhering to project management metrics.
The Role of Project Managers as Translators
Project managers need to adopt the role of translators between technical teams and executive leadership to foster better decision-making. By connecting technical aspects of projects with overarching business goals, they can facilitate a clearer understanding of why projects are essential. It is vital for project managers to highlight how their initiatives contribute to the company’s long-term strategies and immediate needs. This connection empowers executives to make informed decisions by offering clarity rather than technical jargon.
Creating a Culture of Open Dialogue
Implementing an open dialogue between project managers and executives is essential for nurturing effective partnerships. Regular meetings and safe spaces for Project Managers to ask questions or seek advice promote mutual understanding and trust. Issues like decision fatigue can stem from overwhelming executives with unnecessary details, underscoring the need for project managers to filter what is essential for executive attention. This collaborative dialogue ensures that executives feel supported while also empowering project managers to take ownership of their projects.
Empowering Project Managers Through Training and Experience
Project managers benefit significantly from training that enhances their business acumen alongside technical skills. Supporting project managers through exposure to strategic discussions allows them to absorb the executive language and understand business priorities. Coaching provided by senior executives can further enhance their ability to address and communicate project-related issues effectively. Organizations should facilitate opportunities for project managers to engage with their executives, fostering their growth into effective business leaders.
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen
Are you struggling to get your executives' attention when it comes to project decisions? Do their eyes glaze over when you speak "project manager" instead of business? Are you frustrated that they don't get how valuable you are to delivering on the organization's strategy?
If so, I've got you.
In this week's episode, I’m joined by my friend Lenka Pincot, Chief of Staff at the Project Management Institute (PMI), where she leads global transformation efforts and oversees the enterprise PMO.
Lenka shares powerful strategies to help you rethink how you talk to executives so that your projects—and your PMO—get the support they need.
💡 Key takeaway: Learn how to translate your project talk into business value that executives understand, to drive faster decisions and strategic success.
🎧 Tune in now to get the inside scoop
P.S. Want my 5-step IMPACT Communication Framework so you know exactly how to talk to your executives? Just order your copy of The IMPACT Engine book today and you'll be having better conversations tomorrow.
Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!
I welcome your feedback and insights!
I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!
Warmly,
Laura Barnard
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