Communicating what you do.
WHO ASKS FOR IT
Customers and buyers Lenders and investors Regulators, where required Sometimes the public
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who actually requires what, and in what format.
WHY
Reporting produced for nobody consumes effort and achieves nothing.
WHAT A USEFUL REPORT CONTAINS
What you measure and how Performance over time What you did What you intend Where you fell short
WHY INCLUDING SHORTFALLS
Reports showing only success are not believed.
WHAT MAKES IT CREDIBLE
Consistent measurement Comparable periods Stated methodology Acknowledged limitations
WHY METHODOLOGY
Figures without a basis cannot be assessed or compared.
WHAT TO AVOID
Changing the basis between periods without saying so Selecting the most favourable measure Presenting intentions as achievements
WHY CHANGING THE BASIS
It conceals deterioration and it is detected.
WHAT TO REPORT CONSISTENTLY
The same measures, period to period.
WHAT TO EXPLAIN
Any change in methodology, and its effect.
WHAT TO KEEP
The underlying data supporting every figure.
WHY
Figures are questioned and the data must exist.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who prepares and who approves the report.
WHY APPROVAL
Published claims bind the business.
WHAT TO REVIEW BEFORE PUBLISHING
Whether every statement is accurate and evidenced.
WHAT TO PROVIDE TO BUYERS
What they asked for, in their format.
WHY
Their systems require specific data, and a general report does not satisfy them.
