How can you communicate EVM to stakeholders with varying technical knowledge?

1 Know your audience

Before you present EVM to your stakeholders, you need to understand who they are, what they care about, and how they prefer to receive information. Some stakeholders may be more interested in the big picture, while others may want to see the details and data. Some may be familiar with EVM terminology and concepts, while others may need more explanation and examples. Some may prefer visual aids, such as charts and graphs, while others may prefer verbal or written summaries. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your EVM communication to their needs and preferences.

2 Simplify the concepts

EVM can be a complex and technical topic, especially if you use a lot of acronyms, formulas, and jargon. To communicate EVM effectively, you need to simplify the concepts and focus on the key messages. For example, instead of using terms like PV, EV, AC, CPI, and SPI, you can use plain language, such as planned work, completed work, actual cost, cost efficiency, and schedule efficiency. Instead of showing complicated calculations, you can use simple ratios, percentages, and indicators. Instead of overwhelming your audience with numbers, you can highlight the main trends, variances, and forecasts.

3 Relate to the goals

EVM is not just a tool for measuring performance, but also a tool for achieving goals. To communicate EVM to your stakeholders, you need to relate it to the goals and objectives of your project, and show how it can help you deliver value and quality. For example, you can explain how EVM can help you monitor the scope and avoid scope creep, how it can help you control the schedule and meet the deadlines, and how it can help you manage the budget and optimize the resources. You can also show how EVM can help you identify and mitigate risks, and how it can help you improve your processes and practices.

4 Use visual aids

EVM can be more effective and engaging if you use visual aids to support your communication. Visual aids can help you illustrate the concepts, data, and trends of EVM in a way that is easy to understand and remember. For example, you can use charts and graphs to show the planned value, earned value, and actual cost of your project over time, and compare them to the baseline. You can also use colors, symbols, and indicators to show the status, performance, and forecast of your project, such as green for on track, yellow for caution, and red for trouble.

5 Invite feedback

EVM is not a one-way communication, but a two-way dialogue. To communicate EVM to your stakeholders, you need to invite feedback and encourage questions. Feedback can help you validate your assumptions, clarify your messages, and address any concerns or issues. Questions can help you gauge the level of understanding, interest, and satisfaction of your stakeholders, and provide more information or examples if needed. Feedback and questions can also help you build trust and rapport with your stakeholders, and foster collaboration and alignment.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?