Obiajulum OmoregieHead, Project Management Capability Building| Nawah Energy CompanyDubai, United Arab Emirates
Think Status Stories!
There’s a message behind reporting that’s often hidden in mundane, template driven communications that fail to capture and command the desired attention of our stakeholders.
It’s great to have the right data, but even better to translate data to a meaningful message.
By weaving together your data and narrative, you can provide a more comprehensive and compelling picture of your project's progress.
Discover and communicate the underlying message in your reports, and grab the attention you require.
Having a clear message is essential. I coach people on that frequently when I see a lot of data, but no clear point. It is like problem solving. The first step isn't gathering a bunch of data, it's describing the problem.
When I outline presentations, I start with the main point, then what topics support that point, then how to describe those supporting topics with data. Finally I create my executive summary to set the stage.
The general formula is often: Tell them what you're going to tell them (executive summary); tell them the story (supporting points); finish by telling them what you told them (reinforce the main point).
...
1 reply by Obiajulum Omoregie
Mar 08, 2023 1:25 PM
Obiajulum Omoregie
...
Thanks Keith; indeed tell them what you're going to tell them; tell them...and then tell them what you told them.
Absolutely agreed! Presenting a canned report without color commentary around the implications of what is being presented is a bad idea. A good example is a burndown chart - unless the actual delivery line perfectly matches the desired progress, it will raise questions which you'd want to proactively be able to answer.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
The important thing to realize is that the story has to connect your audience. Different audiences will require different stories. Saving Changes...
I agree with you. Connecting with our audience is fundamental to gain attention, and mainly, compromise from the stakeholders.
Using storytelling you can inform the main purpose of the project. Storytelling will help to gain trust and let to evoke emotions. Stakeholders will be engaged in your presentation and will recept the data and information in the best manner.
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
Agreed. It ressonates with the rationale behind the DIKW pyramid (Data -- Information -- Knowledge -- Wisdom). Saving Changes...
Obiajulum OmoregieHead, Project Management Capability Building| Nawah Energy CompanyDubai, United Arab Emirates
Feb 28, 2023 12:56 PM
Replying to Keith Novak
...
Having a clear message is essential. I coach people on that frequently when I see a lot of data, but no clear point. It is like problem solving. The first step isn't gathering a bunch of data, it's describing the problem.
When I outline presentations, I start with the main point, then what topics support that point, then how to describe those supporting topics with data. Finally I create my executive summary to set the stage.
The general formula is often: Tell them what you're going to tell them (executive summary); tell them the story (supporting points); finish by telling them what you told them (reinforce the main point).
Thanks Keith; indeed tell them what you're going to tell them; tell them...and then tell them what you told them. Saving Changes...
Obiajulum OmoregieHead, Project Management Capability Building| Nawah Energy CompanyDubai, United Arab Emirates
Feb 28, 2023 8:17 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
...
I totally agree with you, Obiajulum, especially that not all audience who receives the report might understand the data without the message.
Indeed Rami! Saving Changes...
Obiajulum OmoregieHead, Project Management Capability Building| Nawah Energy CompanyDubai, United Arab Emirates
Mar 01, 2023 4:37 PM
Replying to Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
...
I agree with you. Connecting with our audience is fundamental to gain attention, and mainly, compromise from the stakeholders.
Using storytelling you can inform the main purpose of the project. Storytelling will help to gain trust and let to evoke emotions. Stakeholders will be engaged in your presentation and will recept the data and information in the best manner.
Indeed Veronica evoking emotions is critical. Saving Changes...
"We are ashamed of everything that is real about us; ashamed of ourselves, of our relatives, of our incomes, of our accents, of our opinions, of our experience, just as we are ashamed of our naked skins."
Community Champion
