Executive committee briefing: a practical template
An executive committee briefing turns a communications issue into an explicit decision. It should explain the approval being sought, the evidence behind the recommendation and the consequences of the available options.
Template preview
Download the template · TXT ↓- Subject, date and owner: [topic / version / owner]
- Decision required: [action + scope]
- Why now: [event / constraint / opportunity]
- Established facts: [fact / source / date / limitation]
- Open questions: [question / owner / deadline]
- Affected audiences: [expectations and consequences]
- Option A: [benefits / risks / resources / dependencies]
- Option B: [benefits / risks / resources / dependencies]
- Recommendation: [reasoned choice and conditions]
- Implementation: [actions / owners / milestones]
- Evaluation: [indicator / baseline / source]
- Decision recorded: [decision / date / next steps]
Lead with the decision required
The first line formulates the decision: validate an orientation, choose an option, allow a preparation or defer a speech. Avoid a long introduction that leaves the reader the task of guessing the request.
The model is voluntarily short. Detailed analyses, data or scenarios may be included in the annex. The main document must remain usable during a meeting and must bear a date, responsible person and version.
Separate facts, interpretation and recommendations
A fact must be able to relate to a source and a perimeter. An interpretation must be presented as such. The recommendation explains why an option better meets the objective, with its limitations and conditions of success.
Present at least the recommended option and a credible alternative where the subject allows. Making the cost of inaction or deferral visible can enlighten decision, without artificially dramamatizing the situation.
Use and update the template
Download the text template, complete the entries and have the facts checked by their owners. It can be opened in word processing or copied in Google Docs. The hooks refer to the fields to be adapted.
After the meeting, add the decision actually taken, the officials and the next milestone. The note thus becomes a shared reference point rather than an argumentary retained without follow-up.
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