If you’ve ever been told you need to improve your communication skills, I'm here to tell you there’s a solid 90% chance that isn’t the case.
Yes, “improve your communication” is good feedback that needs to be taken seriously. But in talking to what feels like endless PMs who’ve received this feedback, I’ve found 90% of you to be clear, articulate, and easy to understand.
So, what the heck is really going on here?
It could be that you aren’t projecting confidence and need to, simply, SAY IT WITH YOUR WHOLE CHEST. Or, it could be that you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t WANT to understand you.
It may not be malicious on their part. They may not even be aware they’re doing it.
They’re just taking the easy way out. By blaming your “poor communication skills,” they’re giving themselves an excuse for stagnation. These folks simply don’t want to move forward or make progress, and you’re their convenient fall guy.
Here’s how I suggest you handle this:
Before you accept another template…or checklist…or list of effective buzzwords…or stakeholder engagement matrix…
Step back.
Ask yourself if you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t want to understand you in the first place.
Then build your authority by setting your boundaries. Finally, direct your energy into the work that actually deserves it.
Ask yourself if you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t want to understand you in the first place.
Easy? No. Worth it? Always.
See, PMs are people leaders. No matter what anyone says (including my past self 😂👋🏽). As undercover people leaders, if we’re not confident in what we say and how we share information, no one else will be either.
So, next time you start second guessing yourself…
Breathe (inhale 3 seconds, hold 3 seconds, exhale 6 seconds), and remember—you know more than you think you do.
Don’t be afraid to start acting like it. ❤
🥭