Introduction:
On 25th October 2025, PMI Chennai Chapter successfully conducted yet another impactful dual knowledge sharing session, attended by over 100 participants. The event focused on transforming how we manage, communicate, and deliver projects, aligning with the overarching theme of “Productivity & Efficiency.”
Session 1: Building Effective Communication in Construction Projects – The Missing Link to Project Success
The first session was led by Mr. Tony Jacob, Director & Principal Consultant at Constask Management Solutions LLP. With over 22 years of global experience,
Mr. Tony shared deep insights into the critical role of structured and transparent communication in project success, especially in the construction domain. His session was highly engaging, and he patiently addressed all attendee queries, making it a truly enriching experience.
His practical examples and real-world case studies helped participants relate theoretical concepts to actual industry scenarios. The session emphasized the importance of collaboration, clarity, and consistency in communication for achieving project goals. Attendees appreciated his approachable demeanor and the actionable takeaways that could be directly applied to their professional practices.
Key takeaways from Mr. Tony’s session included:
- Importance of a clear communication strategy.
- Stakeholder communication essentials:
- ★Assess stakeholders
- ★Define information needs
- ★Agree on frequency and format
- Using communication as a collaboration tool rather than a control mechanism.
- The power of effective listening to uncover unspoken concerns and build trust.
- Maintaining consistent feedback loops to turn miscommunication into improvement.
- Leveraging Commitment-Based Management (CBM) to focus on promises and accountability.
- Introduction to Obeya – a Japanese concept for collaborative project spaces.
- Overview of the PMI Construction Professional Framework.
- Demonstration of the Compass Tool to measure communication effectiveness.
- Benefits of effective communication:
- ★Increased stakeholder trust & satisfaction
- ★Fewer negative surprises
- ★Reduced conflicts
- ★Enhanced productivity
- ★Stronger leadership support
Session 2: 10x Time-Saving Tips in Excel – Unlock Productivity with Smart Excel Hacks!
The second session was presented by Mr. Arumugam Mariappan, VP – Technology, PMI Chennai Chapter, and Senior Program Manager with over 24 years of experience in IT Infrastructure, Data Centers, Security, and Project Management.
This hands-on session showcased practical and lesser-known Excel features and shortcuts that can significantly boost productivity. Attendees were encouraged to try the tips live, making the session interactive and highly engaging.
The session received an overwhelmingly positive response, with many participants requesting the demo Excel sheet, which Mr. Arumugam graciously agreed to share.
Highlights from the session included:
- Using the Translate feature for multilingual support.
- Leveraging AutoCorrect for faster typing.
- Navigation shortcuts for efficient data handling.
- Hiding entire sheets before sharing files.
- Creating snapshots using the Camera feature.
- Generating QR codes within Excel.
- Swiftly swapping rows and columns.
- Using Flash Fill to auto-complete patterns.
- Removing duplicate records effortlessly.
- Utilizing formulas like SUM, AVERAGE, PRODUCT, SUMIF, MAX, MIN, LARGE, SMALL, and more.
A Heartfelt Thank You
PMI Chennai Chapter extends sincere thanks to our speakers Mr. Tony Jacob and Mr. Arumugam Mariappan for sharing their expertise and insights. We also appreciate the efforts of the organizing team and the enthusiastic participation of all attendees who made this session a resounding success.
Stay tuned for more such knowledge-sharing events that empower professionals to Lead Bold and Deliver Beyond.