Communication on Projects in Thailand is quite challenging. When managing a project in Thailand especially one that involves both Thai and foreigners, it becomes immediately evident foreigners always take a lead role in speaking honestly and publicly around the team or the customer whereas the Thais prefer to take a passive role in upfront project communication. This does not mean the Thai Engineers or Project Managers are not capable or knowledgeable.

On the other hand they may be more capable than the foreign experts and they may indeed have more knowledge and experience than all the foreigners on the team put together. Thai project team members choose to remain silent for many reasons most of which are cultural.

While at school Thais have this ultimate respect for the teacher “who is always right”. With this mentality in mind Thais are somehow groomed not to question authority and to accept the current situation even when they think otherwise. Thai Project Managers respect for authority has both advantages and disadvantages. While they may avoid confrontation and while this may keep the Project leader contented with he/she believes is right for the project, it may eventually lead to project failure. And when it does lead to a failure no one takes responsibility because no one had actually decided to take a lead role in challenging authority. Everyone is safe except for the project itself. This is a situation that is much encountered on projects in Thailand. This lack of willingness to step up and say what one thinks about a certain situation may sometimes lead to issues that could have been avoided had that person chosen to be more honest and upfront. However to do so in a culture where hierarchy, status, and authority are very much entrenched in the ‘genetic’ make-up of an organization requires special communication skills.

These are some of the skills Project Victor focuses on when training Thai Project Managers. Thai Project Managers do not need to question authority on projects to get what they think is right for the project. Project Victor works with Thai Project Managers to develop effective communication skills to help them reach out to their leaders without questioning authority. It becomes a win-win situation for all – for the Project Manager that can get things done and for the Project Sponsor or Owner who takes credit for managing any situation. It’s all about communicating effectively and doing that without breaking the “ground rules”. It is about adapting one’s communication skills and getting the message across without insulting the communication receiver, stakeholder, and decision maker.