How do you update stakeholders and clients on your system development progress?

2 Choose the right communication channels

Depending on the size, complexity, and nature of your project, you may need to use different communication channels to update your stakeholders and clients on your progress. Some common channels are email, phone, video conferencing, online collaboration platforms, and face-to-face meetings. You should choose the channel that best suits your audience, your message, and your frequency of communication. For example, you may use email for routine updates, video conferencing for demos and reviews, and online collaboration platforms for real-time collaboration and feedback.

3 Establish a communication plan

A communication plan is a document that specifies who, what, when, where, why, and how you will communicate with your stakeholders and clients throughout the project. It helps you avoid communication gaps, conflicts, and misunderstandings, and ensures that everyone is on the same page. You should create a communication plan at the beginning of the project, and update it as needed. You should also share it with your stakeholders and clients, and get their input and agreement on the communication plan.

4 Use visual aids and metrics

One of the most effective ways to update your stakeholders and clients on your system development progress is to use visual aids and metrics that show your achievements, challenges, and next steps. Visual aids and metrics can include diagrams, charts, graphs, dashboards, prototypes, wireframes, mockups, screenshots, and demos. They can help you illustrate your design, functionality, quality, performance, and usability of your system, and highlight your value proposition, risks, and issues. You should use visual aids and metrics that are relevant, accurate, and easy to understand for your audience.

6 Be transparent and honest

Finally, when you update your stakeholders and clients on your system development progress, you should be transparent and honest about your status, achievements, challenges, and issues. You should not hide, exaggerate, or sugarcoat any information, as this can damage your credibility, trust, and reputation. You should also be proactive, responsive, and respectful in your communication, and address any concerns or questions that your stakeholders and clients may have. By being transparent and honest, you can build a strong relationship with your stakeholders and clients, and foster a collaborative and supportive environment for your project.