How to ensure project management questions get answered [closed]

Question

Background: On a new project I've found myself 3 levels removed from my actual source of information. I report to my PM, who reports to our contractor, who reports to the actual client. Getting answers to questions has become something of a problem and I'm curious to know what people recommend.

Needs: I'm trying to find a technology or disciplined strategy that will assist me in ensuring that the questions I'm asking are getting answered:

• Correctly without much modification of the original question
• Quickly so the original context isn't lost
• Completely so that if a question is deferred I don't forget about it.

Does anyone know of a software suite that assists in this matter or do you have any personal discipline strategies that worked for you?

Thank you for the guidance

Answer 1

One strategy might be to cut out the middleman. Go directly to the client and ask what s/he wants.

On a slightly less bold note, request that you, your PM, the contractor, and the client all meet at the same time rather than on relying on an email chain or technology (which will undoubtedly not serve everyone's needs) to relay information. This strategy works particularly well in my experience, as long as you have a manager willing to let you tag along.