Show Don’t Tell

"Show, don't tell" in project management refers to the practice of demonstrating or providing evidence of progress, success, or challenges through tangible actions, data, or visual representations rather than simply describing them verbally or in written reports. It's about presenting concrete evidence or examples that support the project's status or outcomes.

Here's how "show, don't tell" applies in project management:

  1. Visual Reporting: Instead of just stating progress in a report, use visual aids like Gantt charts, dashboards, or graphs to illustrate project milestones, timelines, resource allocation, and progress trends. Visual representations often convey complex information more effectively than lengthy explanations.
  2. Demonstrate Success: Rather than merely stating project success, showcase deliverables, prototypes, or completed phases to stakeholders. Let them see tangible results or functional prototypes to understand progress and achievements.
  3. Metrics and KPIs: Use key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to objectively demonstrate performance. For instance, show how a change in a process improved efficiency by X%, or how a software update reduced errors by a specific number.
  4. Regular Demonstrations: Conduct regular meetings or demonstrations to showcase ongoing work. This could involve showcasing new features of a product, updates on the development process, or mock-ups of designs to provide stakeholders a firsthand look at progress.
  5. Lessons Learned: Instead of just discussing lessons learned at the end of a project, document and share specific instances or experiences that led to improvements or changes. Use real examples to illustrate how lessons were applied and what impact they had on the project.

By applying the "show, don't tell" principle in project management, teams can communicate more effectively, provide stakeholders with clear and tangible evidence of progress, and ensure a deeper understanding of project status, achievements, and challenges. This approach fosters transparency, enhances communication, and builds trust among project stakeholders.

"Show, don't tell" in project management refers to the practice of demonstrating or providing evidence of progress, success, or challenges through tangible actions, data, or visual representations rather than simply describing them verbally or in written reports. It's about presenting concrete evidence or examples that support the project's status or outcomes.