The best course of action when receiving a request for a more detailed project status is to engage in a dialogue with the senior manager to understand their specific needs. This approach aligns with the PMBOKGuide's emphasis on effective communication and stakeholder engagement as key aspects of project management. By discussing the requirements directly, the project manager can tailor the communication to provide relevant and precise information that satisfies the senior manager's request without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. This method ensures that the project manager is responsive to stakeholder needs and maintains clear and open lines of communication.
References: The answer is supported by the principles outlined in the PMBOKGuide, which advocate for proactive stakeholder engagement and effective communication strategies1. Additionally, the PMI's standards on project communication emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing stakeholder information needs23.