Executive Summaries that work

Adding Executive Summaries to "High Impact Documents" templates. Beta version 10th April 2024

The best executive summary on a report is one you can read quickly, be inspired to action, and then throw away the rest of the report.

No one wants to read a 113 page report. This is hard to face when you’ve spent days or weeks on your 113 page report. You suffered. You shouldn’t make your reader suffer too. Take it easy on them and put your message up front. Then let your reader decide how much they want to delve into your document.

The same is true of presentations. Wouldn’t it be great to: show one slide; have a great in-depth conversation; dip into the rest of your deck when needed; then walk away with a clear agreed outcome?

A good executive summary* can help you do this.

How? I use a one page SCQA.

Situation: Sets out a starting point. What is our common ground?

Complication: Identifies the threat. What has changed?

Question: Defines the question(s) you will answer. What is the scope of this conversation?

Answer: Provides your solution to the challenges. What do you propose to do about problem?

SCQA writen in clear direct language makes for an impactful Executive Summary. An alternate way to think about SCQA, is that it is as a way of: defining the problem; being clear about the scope of the conversation; then giving your best answer.

Why does SCQA work for executive summaries? I’ve used SCQA for many presentations, proposals and reports. I think SCQA works because:

Common ground with the audience gets everybody nodding. So start with an unarguable starting point. ;

People need a reason to act, to fund your project, to stop or start doing things. Introduce a change, a threat, or an opportunity to drive change;

Bounding the scope of the discussion is important for concise discussions. You can do this by defining a clear set of questions.;

Being able to share early drafts and get feedback is important. You should draft the S, C and Q on day one of your report writing; and

You don’t want your reader having to find the answer on page 47. Tell them the answer upfront on page 1.

* as part of a well prepared deck. You can’t skip the hard work, sorry.

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What’s new in Business Template Deck : 10th April 2024

I’m getting closer to a Version 1.0 release of the Business Template. In this BETA release I’ll cover “Executive Summary” slides. Being able to write a good executive summary is an important skill for any manager or consultant. SCQA is how I do it, and it works if you practice it.

I’ve created example Executive Summary slides in my Business Template Deck. Each is based on SCQA. Pick one that suits your style.

My recommendations for high impact Executive Summaries are:

• One page, and one page only;

• Practice and follow the guidelines for SCQA;

• Focus on getting the “questions” right. Even if you get the answer wrong, good questions will get people thinking;

• Don’t use the words: Situation, Complication, Question, Answer. It’s a bit trite;

• Try headings like: Previously, Threats, Problems, Solutions. Or short summary sentences; and

• No matter what you call them, stick to SCQA.

If you’d like to know more about SCQA…

SCQA was popularised by Barbara Minto in 1987. She was McKinsey’ first female MBA professional hire in the 70’s. Barbara was adept at structured thinking and helping others get better at it. She also invented the acronym MECE and wrote a great book on structured thinking, problem solving and deck writing called The Pyramid Principle.

I’ve been given a copy, and bought three copies of Barbara’s book. Each I’ve lent out and never seen again. This book is that good.

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Consulting Power Point Template - Free to download

Example slides like the above and a hundred more are available in my Free to use Business Template. My aim is to help new managers and consultants communicate better. Download, use it, and have fun writing.