Every company has it. Watermelon reporting is when a project looks green on the outside but is red on the inside. Status says “all okay,” but reality tells a different story.

This usually happens in RAG status reporting (Red, Amber, Green)—a popular shortcut to communicate project health. But it’s often subjective, easily gamed, and unreliable.

  • PowerPoint says everything’s green.
  • The team barely holds it together.

This is Watermelon Reporting. And it's everywhere.

Why It Happens

Watermelon reporting thrives in blame-heavy cultures, where people fear consequences and choose the “safer” route: a white lie.

  • Teams mark Amber or Green hoping to recover the project before anyone notices.
  • People hide the truth, not out of malice, but self-preservation.
  • Only a few companies treat Red as a flag for help rather than a punishment.

The result? Misleading reporting that masks reality, wastes time, money, and trust.

Edward Deming Said It Best

“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.”

Watermelon reporting is just an opinion. It’s subjective, often aspirational, and rarely aligns with reality. People tell leaders what they want to hear, not what is true.

How to Avoid Watermelon Reporting

  1. Communicate the truth—early.
    • Delaying honesty only makes the problem worse.
    • Don’t assume you can claw it back before it’s too late.
  2. Use data to tell the story.
    • Let stats, metrics, and real evidence shape the RAG status.
    • Connect dots between investment, activity, and value delivered. A Lean Portfolio Management approach solves this problem.
    • Dashboards and work tracking tools help, but toxic cultures can still fudge numbers.
  3. If you use RAG, require evidence.
    • Avoid PowerPoint updates and reports—they encourage fake reporting.
    • Base colours on real metrics and tangible outcomes. Map the colours to numbers if you can.
  4. See for yourself.
    • Don’t rely solely on reported status.
    • Visit the team, check the work, and confirm reality.
  5. Build a culture where Red = help, not punishment.
    • Develop behaviours where honesty has no negative consequences.
    • Reinforce that hiding issues creates false hope, invalid timelines, and poor decisions.

Why Truth Matters

  • Accurate reporting allows you to pivot, adapt, and resource properly.
  • Watermelon reporting leads to delays, cost overruns, and a lack of trust.
  • Honest, evidence-informed communication gives a known reality, enabling solid next steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Watermelon reporting is endemic in many businesses.
  • Subjective RAG status often misleads and undermines trust.
  • Focus on data-informed, truthful reporting.
  • Build a culture where honesty is safe, and Red is a signal for help.
  • Leaders must insist on evidence and transparency.
As the Stoics would say, the truth never hurt anyone. Seek it, and you gain clarity to act effectively.
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