In: Categories » Business » Negotiation and communication » Traditional Written Communications Media
|
The word report has its roots in Latin, meaning “to carry back.” Reports are designed to carry back an account of what has happened, and may range from a simple paragraph on project activity to a multivolume analysis of how the project evolved and an interpretation of that information. The common thread that they should share is that their objective is to carry back accurate information about what has transpired. The key consideration in building reports should be the reader’s ability to assimilate the information provided in the report and the conformity of the report with accepted practice either within the organization or within the industry. Many government reports, for example, must follow specific formats. That level of consistency affords regular readers the ability to cull the information they seek in relatively short order. The information is easier to access because the formats are familiar. Reports should make a clear distinction between the reporting of fact and the interpretation of those facts into opinion or conclusions. Many reports will have separate headings or chapters to more clearly make the distinction between the two. That division is important because it has the potential to allow readers to distinguish when they do not concur with the conclusions and when they do not concur with the facts. That can simplify any later discussion on concerns associated with the report, allowing one element or the other to stand. Reports may be simple (or extended) narratives, or in some cases, may be retained in specific forms. FormsMany organizations will establish forms to allow for consistent reporting of information without a lot of interpretation. Forms encourage consistent reporting and ensure consistent inclusion of specific data elements. Forms serve as a powerful means to reinforce what is important in a document and what is not. They limit the inclusion of extraneous data and generate conformity. In process-driven organizations, forms are seen as an essential element of success. Because processes are frequently subject to interpretation, forms limit the amount of interpretation and latitude in the communications process. In some environments, forms are a welcome addition, because they stem the amount of time and energy that has to be invested in developing formats for communication and determining which informational elements are critical and which are not. On the other hand, forms often generate some enmity, in that they frequently inhibit creativity and stifle the information that can be presented. Good forms will consist of both the form and some guidance as to how the form is properly applied, reviewed, and maintained. PlannersFor some project managers, the primary form of communication is a very personal one—their daily planner. These paper-based and/or computerized planners (generated by a variety of different organizations such as Day-Timer and Franklin-Covey) capture the detailed daily activities of the owner. In some instances, however, they are used beyond simple tracking of meetings and gatherings. The documents and binders sometimes serve as the scheduling and communications link between their owners and the outside world. Some managers allow access to their planners (or the software that supports them) to assign meeting times, plan for gatherings, or to set up one-on-one conversations. Others use the binder as a means to flag important events that either have happened or are pending. For those who use their planners religiously, their planners themselves can become their favorite form of communication. For those who do not use them, they may be perceived as administrative overhead without a great deal of additional value. Before dismissing their use, however, it is wise to determine if any of the key participants in the process are active users.
 |
legal disclaimer
1) Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article as well for any and all copyright infringements by authors and writers. E-articles is a free information resource. If you suspect this article for any copyright infringements, please read the Terms of service and contact us to investigate the problem.
2) The E-articles directory team is not responsible for inaccuracies, falsehoods, or any other types of misinformation this tutorial may contain and will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by a user through the user's reliance on the information gained here. Please read the Terms of service
Useful tools and features
If you like this article (tutorial), please link to it from your web page using the information above. Linking to this page, this is the only way to help us improve our service, the same time providing your visitors with a way to improve their online experience.
related articles
You may work with remotely located people who are supporting you on a customer solution. Working with people at a distance presents its own unique set of challenges. The advent of E-mail, instant messaging, cell phones, and audio and video teleconferencing have given us more efficient means of managing at a distance when compared to the more limited means that still may be useful—namely, travel in person, the phone, fax, or letters. We have a variety of ways to communicate quickly with people regardless of whe...
2. How To Negotiate Price
Differentiation determines why one product or service sells for more than another. People ask about price because it is a common denominator and easy to understand. But if people are only concerned with price, it is because they don’t see the difference between one product and the next. Price is an important part of most buying decisions, and it has become ever more important. When the economy is soft, price becomes a bigger component of the buying decision than when the economy is strong. With the advent of the Int...
3. Skills Needed by People in Sales Jobs
People in sales jobs tend to have strong sales skills and product knowledge. Those skills are essential for success in a sales job, but good people skills are just as important. The more you want to influence people, the more you need a good balance between sales and people skills. When I was promoted into my first management job, it was because I had demonstrated good technical and organizational skills. My people skills weren’t a problem, but I didn’t need them as much as I did when I moved into management...
4. Employee Recruiting
Job Descriptions and Requirements Many positions naturally demand certain requirements with respect to education, experience, and qualifications. For instance, it is customary for CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) to be qualified in accounting and finance and usually to have an MBA. However, in many cases, companies define prerequisites that are not essential to the nature of the position, but are rather the result of norms. In practice, many companies find that relevant experience, if it is accompanied by profound profes...
5. Incentives to Tie Employees to the Company
Over and above the monetary compensation, many companies invest considerable efforts in creating a work environment that will bond the employees with the company and encourage them to stay with it. Recruiting a talented employee is only the first stage in the battle to keep him or her with the company. In times of prosperity on the capital market the demand for good workers is high, thus increasing the turnover rate of employees. Companies are required to make significant investments to train employees for their positions in th...
6. Employee Compensation in the Technology Segments
One of the main objectives of companies in general, and startups in particular, is to navigate the company to a path of rapid growth that will enhance its profits and establish its financial stability. Since the development of products is based primarily on the human factor, the recruitment of talented employees and enhancing their bonding with the company are crucial elements on the road to the company's success. As in any field, companies, including startups, also seek to compensate their employees in order to bring out the b...
7. Reasons Why We Are Poor Listeners
Lazy listening is enormously costly to our success. Most of us think we are good listeners, but that overconfidence may be the reason for our downfall. Nothing puts a sales call in jeopardy faster than poor, inattentive listening. Customers don't take long to get a sense of your listening commitment, especially given the fact that 90% of communication is nonverbal. That's right, 90%. About 55% is through obvious body language and 35% is by how you say it. Given these overwhelming statistics, it's pretty tough to convinc...