Project teams that include a mix productive and high-performing members are more likely to be able to quickly complete projects. These project teams are known for having a strong foundation of constructive and coherent interpersonal communication. However, studies have shown that ineffective communication is responsible for one fifth of all failed projects.
To increase communication and understanding among members, teams can use tools such as a Johari Window.
Communication issues in project teams
Communication is essential in project management. Different people with different skills and experiences are assigned multiple tasks to move towards a common goal and achieve a single objective.
What happens to a project team when clear and meaningful communication is lacking?
Inadequacy of vision – Each member of the team may have a different vision of the project’s end goal, which can lead to confusion and delay.
Lack of coordination and cooperation – When team members don’t know their roles, there could be gaps or duplication.
Lack of constructive communication – Team members will not be able to perform their work well if they don’t know who is responsible, especially if it depends on another member’s work. Instead of collaboration and support, there will often be finger-pointing and excuses which don’t help the project move forward.
Inadequate recognition and appreciation – If team members don’t have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, they may not be recognized for their efforts. This can reduce the team’s morale, and decrease members’ motivation to perform well.
Johariwindow
The Johari Window was created by psychologists Joseph Luft, Harrington Ingham, and named after the combination of their first names. It is a two-by-2 grid that represents the subject’s understanding of themselves and others. These grids, or window panes, can be filled with adjectives. A selection of 56 words was chosen by the subject and their peers in order to best describe the subject.
The left column includes quadrants that are known to the subject. The right column includes quadrants that are unknown to the subject. The upper row contains quadrants that are known to others, and the lower row contains quadrants unknown to others. These descriptions are the basis for the following four quadrants or grids:
Quadrant I. Quadrant I. Open area or Arena (left upper quarterrant). – What the subject and other people know about the subject.
Quadrant II. Quadrant II.
Quadrant III. Quadrant III.
Quadrant IV. Quadrant IV.
How Johari window helps to build better teams
Johari windows can be used to build team spirit. The exercise of matching, placing and discovering the various adjectives in the different quadrants can be done by team members. This will allow them to discover what is known and what isn’t.
The exercise’s goal is to increase the Open area by allowing the subject to open up and share more information with their team members. This will reduce the hidden area. This will allow the subject to receive feedback from others in order to reduce the blind spot. The team can then expand the Open area to gain insight or information that will help them better understand the subject.
The team will communicate better when each member of the team opens up their area and discusses the adjectives they use to describe themselves. This discussion can lead to many benefits for each member of the team and the whole team.
They increase their self-awareness
They allow personal development
They build trust with their team
They improve interpersonal communication
Leadership is key to success
