by: Christopher R Goldsbury

Project status reporting can be, and often is, a gut-wrenching experience for a project manager.  The litany of pertinent, but tough questions from stakeholders, superiors, and key leaders may seem more like an inquisition than a level headed discussion about the state of the project and its future course.   Even in cases where the status is all green the project manager can face doubt, skepticism and pointed remarks from the audience.

So what causes this, and what can be done to remedy project status reporting so that it’s outcome is constructive?

Bad Status Reporting

Reporting the status of a project is a nuanced activity.  On the surface it would seem straightforward.  Just fill out a scorecard with the appropriate information and then give your stakeholders an overview and opinion of where the project is at and where it’s going.   But there are common mistakes with reporting status that lead the inexperienced project manager into trouble and result in a quick loss of confidence.  Here’s a short list: Click to continue »