Not an easy question to answer due to the number of challenges faced by Project Managers. I’ve seen many PM’s struggle with Communication, which is key. With structures becoming flatter, teams spread across geographical locations, change being the new constant, and the need to be able communicate at multiple levels - from the factory floor to C level, it's a real challenge and skill. Some tips and tricks.
At the start of the project spend time identifying roles and responsibilities, including sponsors and business owner, as these people will be critical to your success. This will be the first step in identifying WHO you need to communicate to. Agree on your reporting and meeting rhythm for the key groups – Project team and Steering committee. Making sure the Steering committee has people that have authority to make decisions. This will be the first step to identifying WHEN and HOW to communicate. For Steering committee’s remember these are Senior people with limited time, try and stick to a one page project status report, or a short 5-6 slide power point – covering Overall health (RAG), RAG status of Schedule, Cost, Resources, and Scope, Activities complete (this month), Activities Planned (next month), Top Risks and Issues only, Decisions, and Financials.