How do you avoid common pitfalls and challenges in EVM communication?

1 Know your audience

Different stakeholders have different needs and expectations when it comes to EVM communication. Some may want more details, others may prefer a high-level summary. Some may be familiar with EVM terminology, others may need more explanation. Some may be supportive of your project, others may be skeptical or critical. To avoid confusion and frustration, you need to know your audience and tailor your message accordingly. Use clear and simple language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and highlight the key points and benefits of EVM for each stakeholder group.

2 Use visual aids

EVM communication can involve a lot of numbers, formulas, and indicators, which can be overwhelming and boring for some stakeholders. To make your EVM communication more engaging and memorable, use visual aids, such as graphs, charts, tables, and dashboards. Visual aids can help you show trends, patterns, variances, and forecasts in a more intuitive and appealing way. They can also help you compare your project's performance against the baseline, the plan, and the target. Choose the most appropriate and relevant visual aids for your audience and purpose, and make sure they are accurate, consistent, and easy to understand.

3 Be proactive and timely

EVM communication is not a one-time event, but a continuous process throughout the project lifecycle. To avoid surprises and conflicts, you need to be proactive and timely in your EVM communication. Don't wait until the end of the project or until a problem arises to share your EVM results. Communicate your EVM results regularly and frequently, according to a predefined schedule and format. Anticipate potential issues and risks, and communicate them early and transparently. Provide updates and feedback on your project's progress, achievements, challenges, and corrective actions.

4 Be honest and realistic

EVM communication is not a tool for manipulating or hiding the truth, but a tool for providing an objective and realistic picture of your project's performance and forecast. To avoid losing trust and credibility, you need to be honest and realistic in your EVM communication. Don't sugarcoat or exaggerate your EVM results, or ignore or downplay the negative aspects. Acknowledge the gaps and deviations from your plan, and explain the causes and consequences. Don't make unrealistic promises or assumptions, or blame others for your failures. Be accountable and responsible for your project's performance, and show how you are addressing the issues and improving the situation.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

EVM communication is not a one-way street, but a two-way dialogue between you and your stakeholders. To avoid misunderstanding and misalignment, you need to seek feedback and improvement in your EVM communication. Don't assume that your stakeholders understand and agree with your EVM results, or that they are satisfied with your EVM communication. Ask for their opinions, questions, concerns, and suggestions. Listen to their feedback and respond to their needs and expectations. Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your EVM communication, and identify the areas and opportunities for improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?