Reporting
Four useful questions for your monthly review
A simple agenda that turns a reporting pack into a useful conversation.
Begin with the change
Start by comparing the period with your own plan and the previous period. Ask what changed in the business before assigning a reason to a number.
Separate timing from performance
An invoice paid late can affect cash without changing the value of work completed. Ask which movements reflect timing and which reflect underlying activity.
Look at the assumptions
A budget is a set of assumptions. Check whether your expected volumes, costs and payment patterns still describe how the business operates.
Make the next step specific
End with a small list of actions, the person responsible and the information needed for the next review. A useful discussion should leave you with clearer questions, not a longer report.