One of the major reasons for that is that more times than not, business stakeholders want lots of text rather than simplified and direct explanations.
One of the key documents were this occurs is the Project Schedule. Depending on project complexity, the project schedule can contain over a 1000 lines of tasks which could be easily converted to a Kanban board which is simple to interpret and delivers important information in a digestible format.
Good point. For someone who learns better with visual aids, I think information radiators are the best way to convey vision and work progress to all stakeholders. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Not to be negative, but presenting information in an easily digestible format means stakeholders can question the PM about certain matters, and some PMs would rather present a daunting wall of long, incomprehensible text to avoid accountability. I’ve seen bad PMs do this a few times in my career, and unfortunately it’s an effective tactic. Sadly, most executives are easy to fool in this way because they don't want to appear foolish, and so never question a PM too deeply about things they don’t understand.
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3 replies by George Lewis, Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD, and Vincent Guerard
Mar 14, 2018 7:14 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Interesting point Eric, and often true.
Mar 14, 2018 7:52 PM
Vincent Guerard
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Interesting,
Most manager did enjoy when I presented information in a visual format. It trigger request for more precise informations sometimes,
Not to be negative, but presenting information in an easily digestible format means stakeholders can question the PM about certain matters, and some PMs would rather present a daunting wall of long, incomprehensible text to avoid accountability. I’ve seen bad PMs do this a few times in my career, and unfortunately it’s an effective tactic. Sadly, most executives are easy to fool in this way because they don't want to appear foolish, and so never question a PM too deeply about things they don’t understand.
Interesting point Eric, and often true. Saving Changes...
Not to be negative, but presenting information in an easily digestible format means stakeholders can question the PM about certain matters, and some PMs would rather present a daunting wall of long, incomprehensible text to avoid accountability. I’ve seen bad PMs do this a few times in my career, and unfortunately it’s an effective tactic. Sadly, most executives are easy to fool in this way because they don't want to appear foolish, and so never question a PM too deeply about things they don’t understand.
Interesting,
Most manager did enjoy when I presented information in a visual format. It trigger request for more precise informations sometimes,
One aspect that is missed out is preparation time.
A good graphic must be based on a robust structure of data collection and analysis. If the underlying data are not precise, tweaking the graphic into shape takes a long time.
There is also the fact that few stakeholders are content to see the surface status. They do want to, out of genuine interest, drill down to the details. They want to see the factors contributing to the reds and yellows.
For meetings with steering committees and sponsors, there is no excuse. All relevant information must be suitably encapsulated in not more than three slides (one dashboard and two supporting).
For more generic project review meetings which have a higher frequency, the question must be asked whether it is worth it to prepare all such information. If not, do the best you can. If so, go ahead and set the structure to collect all necessary data. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Mar 14, 2018 7:52 PM
Replying to Vincent Guerard
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Interesting,
Most manager did enjoy when I presented information in a visual format. It trigger request for more precise informations sometimes,
Agree! Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Mar 14, 2018 6:41 PM
Replying to Eric Simms
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Not to be negative, but presenting information in an easily digestible format means stakeholders can question the PM about certain matters, and some PMs would rather present a daunting wall of long, incomprehensible text to avoid accountability. I’ve seen bad PMs do this a few times in my career, and unfortunately it’s an effective tactic. Sadly, most executives are easy to fool in this way because they don't want to appear foolish, and so never question a PM too deeply about things they don’t understand.
Intereseting... Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Mar 14, 2018 3:24 PM
Replying to Tayo Akingboye
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One of the major reasons for that is that more times than not, business stakeholders want lots of text rather than simplified and direct explanations.
One of the key documents were this occurs is the Project Schedule. Depending on project complexity, the project schedule can contain over a 1000 lines of tasks which could be easily converted to a Kanban board which is simple to interpret and delivers important information in a digestible format.
