4P square café: Effective communication and project management
On November 16th, we held a 4P square café. This is an intern event we organise 2-monthly with all our colleagues, consultants and freelancers so we can stay in touch with eachother during extern projects.
This time, we invited Ronald De Keersmaeker as speaker. With 11 years experience as a speaker and business coach in his own company and a decade leading international projects, Ronald De Keersmaeker noticed that communication is very important. He gave us insights into communication and project management and handed us practical tools to improve our communication.
Key takeaways: Communication and project management
In the fast-paced world of project management, the need for effective communication cannot be overstated. Ronald emphasized the importance of making communication stand out while ensuring it flows seamlessly within the team.
Awareness: Unlocking the next level in projects and marketing
Communication is the key to taking your projects and marketing efforts to the next level. Ronald encouraged us to be aware of the impact our communication style has on our successes.
Competent leadership: Sympathetic dominance
Ronald introduced us to the concept of “sympathetic dominance,” where a balance between being sympathetic and dominant is the ideal communication style. This style fosters competent leadership, and Ronald shared practical tips to achieve it.
3 tips for effective communication
Tip 1: Be sympathetically dominant at the start of a conversation
Starting a conversation with a blend of sympathy and dominance sets the tone for successful communication. Ronald advised us on how to navigate conversations to avoid being too sympathetic or too dominant, ensuring a positive outcome.
Tip 2: Communicate from the other person’s perspective
Communicating from the perspective of the other person is an art. Ronald stressed the importance of understanding different communication styles within a team and adapting our approach based on the individual’s motivations—whether they are driven by emotion, information, or action. By identifying the motivations of team members, you can make tailored communication strategies for everyone in the team.
He delved into the six purchase motivations and linked them with the 3 communication styles we discussed above:
Safety, security – Emotion
Economy – Information
New – Action
Comfort – Emotion
Affinity – Information
Prestige – Action
Tip 3: Overcoming communication hurdles
Ronald acknowledged the hurdles we face in projects and communication. He provided a safe way to deal with objections—recognizing, addressing, and responding with sympathetic dominance.
Conclusion: Mastering the art of effective communication and project management
Ronald de Keersmaker’s session was a masterclass in navigating the complexities of communication and project management. His practical tips, combined with a deep understanding of human motivations, provide a solid foundation for success. As we continue our professional journey, let’s remember to know ourselves, know our team members, and communicate with a blend of sympathy and dominance. After all, effective communication is the cornerstone of success in any project or endeavor.