Headline first. Decisions next.
Leaders read status reports to decide whether to act. Give them the headline, the forecast and the decisions they need to make.
The headline
Line 01
On track, at risk or off track, in one sentence.
EXAMPLE
“At risk: vendor API late.”
The forecast
Line 02
A range with confidence (Day 46).
EXAMPLE
“85% by 24 October.”
Decisions needed
Line 03
What you need from them, and by when.
EXAMPLE
“Approve scope trim by Friday.”
One page
Line 04
Detail available, but not in the way.
EXAMPLE
Link to the board.
Headline, forecast, decisions. One page.