📢 The communicator's edge in program management

👋🏾 This week we’re talking about the value of communication in program management.

Here’s today’s TL;DR

• User Interviews: the simplest way to connect with users and boost your program’s impact

• Keep it simple: clean and clear documents, make your way to the front!

• Assumptions: you know what happens when you assume!

🗣️ Simple: user interviews. Complex: navigating daylight savings

User interviews help program managers uncover insights about their audience, which in turn enables them to maximize their program impact.

While interviews (plural) sounds like a lot, it’s not. And it’s one of the fastest ways to build a better program. Once you’ve identified who you need to interview, start with three simple questions: what’s working, what’s not, and how can this program support you moving forward. Now you’ve got a pile of responses that can help you enhance your program.

Read through the Assess page on TPP to learn more! You can also check out our blog post on why user interviews are important and how to set them up.

💯 Don’t do the most

In most instances, I prefer the dramatics. But I’ve turned a new leaf when it comes to content. Maybe I’m washed, but these days I’m squarely team The Simpler The Better.

Think about all the documents you review at work. Now think about the massive cognitive load it takes to orient yourself with the document, how it’s presented, and what it’s attempting to explain.

Clearly communicating what you’re doing and how you’re going to do it, is the quickest way to ensure program success. Anil Dash’s recent blog post is something I’ll frequently return to. The bit about formatting is relatable, because why am I overanalyzing your underlined sentence thinking it’s a clue to finding Atlantis 🙍🏽‍♀️.

😯 Squash the assumptions

Recently, I made an assumption regarding task ownership at work. The misunderstanding (assumption) led to a handful of avoidable issues, cross-functional frustration being the main one.

In the game of program management, it’s crucial to remember: scope needs to be explicitly, and consistently, communicated to all stakeholders. This is the best way to keep a program launch on track and healthy.

📬 P.S.:

Know any program managers? We’re highlighting program managers from all industries on the blog and want to hear from them (or you)!