WHAT IS IT?

An executive summary provides an overview of a larger document or research and is usually the first thing your reader will see. Oftentimes, executive summaries are the only place decision makers will go to determine if action is warranted on a particular action or idea. Executive summaries should analyze a problem, drawn conclusions, and recommend a course of action in a complete but brief synopsis.

HOW TO USE IT?

Use executive summary to entice the reader to read the rest of your plan or strategy. This is why the executive summary is often called the most important part of the document. If it doesn’t capture the reader’s attention, the plan or strategy will be set aside unread.

The executive summary should address these main points:

• Purpose of the document
• Problem that you are addressing
• Problem analysis
• Results of analysis
• Recommendations
• What can you do to address this issue?
• How will you achieve your recommendations?
• How will this help the business?
• What action can be taken?