How to keep observers' eyes on progress

When you’re working on a project, one thing that can drain your energy is people checking in to see how it’s going. According to Rick Brenner in Point Lookout, an e-mail newsletter from Chaco Canyon Consulting, you can manage the perception of progress and cut the number of interruptions you suffer. Here are some of his suggestions:

• Pick names with care.
  Don’t link your project or parts of your project to names of tasks that people associate with past troubles. Reusing names from past projects invites people to make associations that aren’t necessarily there.
• Don’t talk - demonstrate.
  When you do find yourself in trouble, it’s best not to try to talk your way out of it. Instead work steadily and hold back until you really have something to show. Filling those intervals with meaningless words will make others question if you are making any progress at all and invite interruptions. Wait until you’ve got real progress to report - then deliver it.
• Make the schedule short.
  Long, drawn out schedules can make people impatient to see progress and feel that nothing much is happening. Shorter schedules are better because it helps people perceive progress. If your project is on a long schedule, break it down into sequences of shorter schedules. That way observers will be able to clearly see your progress - and will be less inclined to interrupt you with questions.