We have written before on the broader topic of project reporting, so you know by now that reporting on the status of a project is a way to monitor and manage the project, as well as getting that data out to the parties that need it. You’ll be creating lots of different types of progress reports throughout the life cycle of the project. But the project status report can do a lot of things other reports can’t. It’s a vital communication tool, and it can provide a documented history of the project, which makes planning for your next project easier.
Some other objectives of status reports include:
Improve communications across organization
Simplify communication process
Keep stakeholders informed
Deliver key messages to intended target audience
Improve organizational support for your projects or your team
Whether you’re standing up in a board room or sending a weekly email update, it’s a good idea to know the best practices when reporting on a project’s progress before jumping into a presentation of your report.
Communicate: Status reports are one front in your communications plan. Don’t rely on it fully to communicate everything, but use it to deliver the right data to the right party at the right time.
Consistency: Use the same format, distribution cycle and method. Don’t mix things up. That only disrupts the effectiveness of the communication aspect of the report.
