Working with those senior to you.
WHAT IT MEANS
Making it easy for those you report to, to support your work.
WHAT THAT REQUIRES
Knowing what matters to them Reporting before being asked Raising problems early Bringing proposals, not only problems
WHY BRING PROPOSALS
It converts a demand on their attention into a decision.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
How much detail they want How often they want updating How they prefer to receive it
WHY ASK
Preferences vary considerably, and mismatches cause friction attributed to competence.
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG
Tell them before they hear it elsewhere.
WHY
The surprise is worse than the problem.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
What happened, the impact, what you have done, what you need.
WHAT TO AVOID
Presenting problems with no analysis Concealing difficulties Agreeing to things you cannot deliver
WHAT TO DO ABOUT UNREALISTIC REQUESTS
State what is possible, and what would have to change.
WHAT TO BUILD
A reputation for accurate reporting.
