1. Writing Clear Updates

Your updates are the primary way your team(stakeholders) know what’s happening. A clear update:

1. States progress succinctly.
2. Highlights what’s done, what’s next, and any blockers.
3. Avoid unnecessary details
4. Focuses on what matters to the audience.

Example:
✅ “Completed user flow diagrams for onboarding. Next: wireframes for login screen. Blocker: waiting on designer’s feedback.”

2. Asking Intelligent Questions

Good PMs ask questions that clarify, reveal risks, or unblock progress, rather than showing confusion.

1. Be specific: Name the feature, task, or issue.
2. Show context: “I noticed X in the login flow-should we also consider Y?”
3. Avoid vague questions like “What do we do next?”-do your homework first.

3. Communicating Blockers Early

Blockers kill timelines if unreported. PMs must:

1. Identify blockers as soon as they appear.
2. Explain impact: “I can’t start testing until the backend API is live, which may delay sprint 2 by 2 days.”
3. Propose solutions where possible.

Rule: Early alerts > perfect work later.

4. Managing Stakeholders

Stakeholders expect updates without noise. To manage them effectively:

1. Tailor your message: technical details for engineers, outcomes for managers.
2. Provide clarity on decisions and risks.
3. Keep them engaged without overwhelming them.

Pro Tip: Weekly summaries + immediate alerts for critical issues work better than daily detailed reports.

5. Writing Proper Work Messages

Work communication is professional and efficient:

1. Use clear subject lines in emails/messages.
2. Avoid ambiguous pronouns-“it,” “this,” “that.”
3. Close messages with the next steps or decisions needed.

Bad: “Can you check this?”
Good: “Can you review the login flow wireframe and approve by 3 PM today?”

6. Documentation Etiquette

Documentation is permanent knowledge. Best practices:

1. Use consistent formats and headings.
2. Keep records updated.
3. Assume someone completely new will read it.
4. Avoid jargon unless it’s clearly defined.

Good documentation reduces repeated questions and protects the team from chaos.

7. PM Communication Expectations

A PM’s communication should always be:

1. Precise – say exactly what you mean
2. Clear – avoid ambiguity, make intentions obvious
3. Brief – value people’s time; avoid unnecessary details

Rule of Thumb: If a message can’t be misinterpreted, it’s good communication.