Using Simple Project Dashboards

What is a simple project dashboard?

It’s a way to visually see what projects you, your team, and/or your organization are working on – and to be able to find all high level information that you need to know about that work quickly and in one spot.

What is included is based on who owns and uses the dashboard…

The board is a communications tool…what is the purpose? To give you a quick snapshot of what is going on in your organization? To help others understand what is happening? To align your team?

For example, if you run an organization or team, you might need to be able to quickly see what projects your team is working on and be able to keep a running update of how the projects going – so you can know where things are moving smoothly or not, communicate about the organization’s work, now when major deadlines/events are, and also know that you’ve dividing work equally and reasonably amongst team members.

For your own projects and work, if you work in many areas it can also help you schedule and see upcoming deadlines, note and track challenges you’re navigating, and keep your ideas all in one spot.

PROJECT DASHBOARD EXAMPLES

• White board

• Excel/Spreadsheet

About the author: Marty Mundy

Marty’s work captures her diverse background and experience leading engineering design teams, launching her own businesses, operating as chief executive in the nonprofit space, and coaching leaders. Her clients have included nonprofit, public, and for profit entities. She has provided strategic communications and organizational development support across industries from aerospace, materials and engineering to health and human services, community development, agriculture and food.