Throughout my career as a Building Surveyor and Project Manager across diverse sectors, I've found that clear communication and planning are crucial for keeping clients informed and projects on track. The steps I take includes: 1. Using simple language and visual aids like Gantt charts 2. Maintaining transparency about uncertainties and potential risks 3. Dividing projects into smaller, manageable chunks 4. Providing regular, concise updates on progress and changes 5. Incorporating buffer time for unexpected delays 6. Involving clients in timeline planning to foster shared ownership In summary, being proactive, transparent, and flexible in communication helps maintain client satisfaction and keep projects on schedule.

To set expectations effectively with non-technical clients: 1. Understand Their Priorities – Focus on outcomes they care about, using simple language. 2. Be Transparent – Break down timelines into milestones and explain dependencies. 3. Highlight Risks – Clarify potential challenges and the need for flexibility. 4. Set Realistic Goals – Avoid overpromising and outline clear deliverables. 5. Maintain Regular Updates – Use scheduled check-ins to share progress and address concerns.

The answer's in your question and without stating the obvious, here goes.  In my experience, Clients want to be part of the journey but, non-technical execs find the whole thing boring. Best way to suck them into the journey is to immerse them into the project.  I found that regular site walks are crucial, sharing bitesize technical insights, that they can relate to and visualise. In paricular, if it's something that provokes or challenge their worldview.  They are experts in their business and to further empower them with something that their peers wouldn't know, might offer the next fund raiser topic and that makes you their trusted technical specialist. Now the project meetings are interesting and easy. 

Navigating project timelines with non-technical clients can be tricky. 1. To set expectations effectively, humanize the process. 2. Instead of jargon, use simple language. 3. Visualize timelines with easy-to-understand charts or a simple project roadmap. 4. Be transparent about potential roadblocks and celebrate milestones together. 5. Regular check-ins keep everyone aligned and build trust. 6. Remember, effective communication is key. By making the process clear and collaborative, you'll ensure a smoother project journey for both you and your client.

I set expectations by breaking down project phases in simple terms, setting realistic timelines, and maintaining regular check-ins. This ensures clients understand the process without technical overload and feel informed and engaged

when navigating project timeline with non-technical client , you should build trust first to avoid 50% of the conflicts with this client which caused mainly by the advises he gets from someone in his surroundings or read on social media , so trust here is very important to build a strong relationship and act as his honest advisor

To set expectations effectively with non-technical clients, communicate clearly and avoid technical jargon. Break down project timelines into milestones, using visuals like charts or progress trackers to make schedules easier to understand. Establish regular check-ins to update them on progress and any challenges. Emphasize the importance of flexibility, setting realistic timelines with built-in buffers to account for unexpected delays.

To set expectations with non-technical clients, I keep things simple and clear. I explain each step of the project in plain language, without jargon. I give realistic timelines and build in extra time for any unexpected delays. Using visuals like a basic calendar so they can see the schedule clearly. I keep them updated regularly so they know what's happening. If there are delays, I explain why in an honest way and work with them to adjust the plan if needed. Being open, honest, and staying in touch helps build trust and keeps everything on track.

When you are dealing with non technical clients, you have to make sure and create situation such that client has to understand themselves that their decisions are respected and it is helping for progressive of project, also at the same time micro level project update are not to be discussed and detail in meetings.