Project Management Solutions for Communicating High-Stakes Decisions

Three proven resources that prevent the failure created by trial & error.

JD Solomon
2 min readJan 16, 2025
Project managers increase their effectiveness by using proven checklists, third-party reviews, and the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram (image source: by author of the author)

Communicating effectively is essential when making high-stakes decisions, especially for project managers presenting to senior management or boards. However, most project managers do not receive formal training or have tailored strategies for high-stakes presentations. This breif article offers three practical solutions to enhance your presentation skills.

Identifying the Challenges

Project managers usually lack the training needed for impactful presentations to senior management and boards. Additionally, organizations typically do not have specific methods to tailor these presentations. The absence of internal resources to offer an external perspective can further complicate the process of developing effective presentations for high-stakes decisions.

Three Practical Solutions

Utilize the FINESSE checklists, third-party reviews, and the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram to prepare and organize your thoughts clearly for your next presentation.

1. The FINESSE Checklist

The FINESSE Checklist helps you prepare for presentations by summarizing key information from the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram. It focuses on 3 to 5 main points in each section, making building your presentation for significant decisions easier.

2. The FINESSE Accessibility Checklist

This checklist ensures that your presentations and reports are accessible to people with visual and hearing impairments. It highlights key accessibility issues and provides 3 to 5 important aspects to focus on. Making your work accessible benefits those with impairments and enhances understanding for everyone.

3. Third-Party Presentation Reviews

Enhance your confidence by having CWF conduct a third-party review of your presentation. You’ll receive helpful feedback to prepare you for presenting to senior management or your board of directors. Fast turnaround times are available with prior notice.

JD Solomon’s FINESSE Fishbone Diagram

The FINESSE Fishbone Diagram is a powerful tool for addressing communication challenges in high-stakes decisions. It breaks down issues into manageable parts and categorizes relevant tips for each section. By identifying where problems arise, you can implement targeted solutions. This diagram serves as a guide for clearer communication, whether you’re in a boardroom or discussing complex issues with senior managers.

Three Practical Solutions for High-Stakes Decisions

By adopting checklists, seeking third-party reviews, and utilizing the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram, a project manager can greatly improve communication for high-stakes decisions. These tools offer structured feedback and empower you to present with confidence. Start using these solutions today to ensure your next high-stakes presentation is a success!

Communicating with FINESSE is the not-for-profit community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Visit our Tackle Shop for communication and facilitation resources. Join the community for free.

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JD Solomon
JD Solomon

Written by JD Solomon

Helping people become better communicators and collaborators. Creator of www.communicatingwithfinesse.com. Founder of http://www.jdsolomonsolutions.com.

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