What can documentation help demonstrate over time?

Documentation serves as a comprehensive record that tracks various aspects of a project, initiative, or performance over a period. By keeping detailed notes and records, it allows stakeholders to observe the progression of efforts, noting both the improvements made and any setbacks encountered.

This dual observation is critical for understanding the overall trajectory of projects, as it provides insights into what strategies worked effectively and what challenges arose. Monitoring improvements can affirm the success of certain approaches, while documenting setbacks can highlight areas that need attention or adjustment. The combination of these elements contributes to a fuller narrative that facilitates learning, accountability, and informed decision-making moving forward.

In contrast, focusing solely on improvements or setbacks would provide an incomplete picture, and while future goals are often informed by past performance, they are not directly demonstrated in the documentation itself. Thus, recognizing both improvements and setbacks gives a holistic view of progress and development over time.