{"id":1616,"date":"2019-07-08T12:46:19","date_gmt":"2019-07-08T12:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ktproject.ca\/?p=437"},"modified":"2023-07-10T06:40:36","modified_gmt":"2023-07-10T06:40:36","slug":"is-your-project-using-the-master-keys-to-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ktproject.ca\/is-your-project-using-the-master-keys-to-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Project Using the Master Keys to Success?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Words are the master key to successful communication. Communication is the master key to successful projects.<\/em>
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According to the article What Are the Causes of Communication Failure?<\/em>, three (of four) causes of communication failure are related to the use of language:
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  1. When something obvious to you may not be obvious to others and their confusion is overlooked (assumed perspective or understanding);<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. When the receiver misses critical information or tunes out due to boredom or personal bias (misunderstanding or opposition); and,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. When words are inappropriate for the audience or subject, especially with the use of imprecise or vague terms, or technical jargon (ambiguity or lack of clarity).[1]<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Words are the master key<\/em> to successful communications.
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    Related: <\/strong>Successful Projects Need Effective Communication<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Over 10 years, Orgmetrics asked 134 project teams two questions about their experience with project failure and success:
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    1. What makes a project fail? 98% said communication!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. What makes a project succeed? 95.5% said communication![2]<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Communication is the master key<\/em> to successful projects.
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      There are many aspects to successful communication. A Google search yields thousands of useful resources. These resources include subjects ranging from emotional intelligence to soft skills, to topics about improving meeting, speaking, and writing abilities. By contrast, this article focuses on one specific aspect of communication and language: the terms and words we use to communicate and miscommunicate.
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      This article discusses common sources of miscommunication, including:
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      1. Unconscious incompetence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Steep learning curves; and,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Different understandings and uses of industry and project terminology.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        This article also describes:
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        1. The importance of clear communications; <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. How you can use the master keys to generate success for your project; and,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. The KT Project Glossary.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

          1. Unconscious Incompetence<\/strong>
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          One of the root causes of poor project communication is unconscious incompetence. Put simply, this means that personnel simply don\u2019t know what they don\u2019t know. Unconscious incompetence is the first of four stages of competence or learning (see inset for a description).
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          This relates to the process of progressing from incompetence (lack of knowledge) to competence (retention of knowledge) when applying or employing a skill. In the context of industry or a project, personnel at this stage are likely to make mistakes and be unaware of these mistakes or their impact on other personnel and processes. For example, a new staff member in Stage 1 performs a calculation but uses an incorrect formula to determine the solution. As a consequence, the project purchases pipe that is the wrong thickness. This results in an avoidable expense, unnecessary schedule delays, and the installation of incorrect pipe. Unconscious incompetence is particularly applicable to beginners and inexperienced personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n

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          2. Steep Learning Curve<\/strong>
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          A learning curve is the rate at which personnel progress in gaining experience, knowledge, or new skills (see inset for a description). Beginning and inexperienced personnel can face a steep learning curve.[1]<\/sup> During this time, personnel need close supervision. Generally, they need to be told what to do, how to do it, and be provided with many details. Lastly, personnel require frequent verification of their production levels and progress. Some recruiters are reluctant to hire personnel with transferrable skills because, while their skills may indeed be transferrable, their limited industry-specific vocabulary may be a factor that cannot be overcome quickly enough to accommodate project requirements.
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          A steep learning curve is a primary reason personnel struggle when transferring into a new company, industry, project, or role \u2013 each of which may use terminology that is the same, similar, or different. All personnel experience a similar learning curve during the transition from beginner, to novice, to subject matter expert, to technical authority (and beyond). This transition is especially challenging for personnel who:
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