The Quad Chart – The Executive View
THE DISCUSSION
I use a number of things to track projects; the Engineering Plan, the Stop Light Chart, and the Quad Chart. The Engineering Plan is the big picture tracking tool I use to track all projects. It’s more high level and has very little detail. The Stop Light Chart tracks each project down to the task level. To offer a very short and workable Executive level view I use the Quad Chart. The quad chart along with the Stop Light Chart are extensions of the Engineering Plan. They fit nicely together and are a quick and easy monitoring system for the IT manager. I especially like the Stop Light chart because red really jumps out at you.
Remember, delegate the work on these down to your team. (Some of you are hitting your forehead and saying of course delegate this down but some of you know exactly what I am saying.)
THE ACTION
-The Title should be self explanatory but should track with what is on the Engineering Plan and Stop Light Chart. Include what the project is and why it is being done. Something like “all switches in building 100 are past usable life and need replacement”.
-The Timeline should track generally with the Stop Light Chart but doesn’t require the step by step actions. Something like “install new network switches in building 100” versus breaking down by floor or switch node. Put a date in red if it is overdue.
-The Discussion would be key points that need to be reported. Such as “funding approved 2 July” or “switches arrived 1 August”. Highlight in red those actions that need management needs to remain aware. Again big picture items.
-The Current Status would be items that need to be reported since the last update. Highlight in red those actions that need management attention.
-Download your blank Quad Chart here.
HINT: Put all your projects quad charts together and present to your higher level manager. My supervisor is not technical and this provides him a fine overview of what is happening in his area of responsibility.
