executive-reporting

# Executive Reporting Skill

Creating effective executive communications that drive decisions and action.

## Purpose

This skill provides a framework for:
- Executive status summaries
- Portfolio dashboards
- Board packages
- Escalation reports
- Decision support materials

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## Executive Communication Principles

### The Executive Pyramid

| Level | Content | Time |
|-------|---------|------|
| **Summary** | Key message in one sentence | 10 seconds |
| **Overview** | 3-5 key points | 1 minute |
| **Detail** | Supporting data and analysis | 5 minutes |
| **Appendix** | Full data for reference | As needed |

### What Executives Want

| They Want | They Don't Want |
|-----------|-----------------|
| Clear status (RAG) | Ambiguous status |
| Actionable insights | Information dumps |
| Decisions required | Problems without options |
| Trends and patterns | Raw data |
| Risks and mitigations | Surprises |
| Confidence in team | Excuses |

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## Report Types

### Type 1: Portfolio Status Dashboard

**Audience:** Executive team
**Frequency:** Weekly/Monthly
**Length:** 1-2 pages

**Sections:**
1. Portfolio health summary (RAG)
2. Key metrics (SPI, CPI, utilization)
3. Exceptions requiring attention
4. Upcoming milestones
5. Decisions needed

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### Type 2: Project Escalation Report

**Audience:** Sponsor/Executive
**Frequency:** As needed
**Length:** 1 page

**Sections:**
1. Issue summary (one sentence)
2. Impact assessment
3. Options with trade-offs
4. Recommendation
5. Decision requested

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### Type 3: Board Package

**Audience:** Board of Directors
**Frequency:** Quarterly
**Length:** 5-10 pages

**Sections:**
1. Executive summary
2. Portfolio performance
3. Strategic initiative status
4. Key risks and mitigations
5. Resource and financial summary
6. Decisions and approvals needed
7. Appendix (detailed data)

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### Type 4: Stakeholder Update

**Audience:** Key stakeholders
**Frequency:** Weekly/Bi-weekly
**Length:** 1 page

**Sections:**
1. Status summary