How can you effectively communicate network documentation and reporting to senior management?

1 Know your audience

Before you prepare any network documentation or report, you need to understand who your audience is and what they care about. Senior managers are likely to be more interested in the business impact, risks, and benefits of the network than the technical details and jargon. They may also have limited time and attention span, so you need to prioritize the most important and relevant information and avoid unnecessary details. You can use tools such as stakeholder analysis, communication matrix, and SMART goals to identify your audience's needs, expectations, and preferences.

2 Choose the right format

The format of your network documentation or report can make a big difference in how it is received and understood by senior management. You need to choose a format that is appropriate for the purpose, scope, and level of detail of your documentation or report. For example, you may use a network diagram, a table, a chart, a dashboard, or a slide deck to present different aspects of the network. You should also use a consistent and professional style, layout, and design that follows the organizational standards and branding.

3 Use clear and simple language

The language you use in your network documentation or report can also affect how senior management perceives and interprets your message. You should use clear and simple language that avoids technical jargon, acronyms, and abbreviations that may confuse or alienate your audience. You should also use active voice, short sentences, and bullet points to make your writing more direct and concise. You should also proofread and edit your documentation or report to eliminate any errors, typos, or ambiguities.

4 Highlight the key points

Senior managers may not have the time or interest to read or view your entire network documentation or report, so you need to highlight the key points that they need to know and remember. You can use techniques such as summary, executive summary, abstract, introduction, conclusion, or recommendations to provide a brief overview of the main purpose, findings, and implications of your documentation or report. You should also use headings, subheadings, bold, italic, color, or graphics to emphasize the most important and relevant information.

5 Provide context and evidence

Senior managers may not be familiar with the network context or background, so you need to provide some context and evidence to support your network documentation or report. You should explain the network scope, objectives, assumptions, limitations, and challenges that affect your documentation or report. You should also provide data, facts, figures, examples, or testimonials that demonstrate the network performance, issues, solutions, or outcomes. You should also cite your sources and references to show the credibility and reliability of your information.