- \n
- What is an Executive Summary?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Write Executive Summaries and Examples<\/a>\n
- \n
- 1. Identify the story<\/a><\/li>\n
- 2. Bring the data<\/a><\/li>\n
- 3. Expand on the benefits<\/a><\/li>\n
- 4. Conclude powerfully<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Best Practices for Writing Executive Summary<\/a><\/li>\n
- 10 Executive Summary Examples<\/a>\n
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- 1. Board report executive summary<\/a><\/li>\n
- 2. Research report executive summary example from McKinsey<\/a><\/li>\n
- 3. Study report executive summary by the UN<\/a><\/li>\n
- 4. Project performance report executive summary<\/a><\/li>\n
- 5. Payroll report executive summary template<\/a><\/li>\n
- 6. Mailchimp content style guide\u2019s tl;dr<\/a><\/li>\n
- 7. ClickUp release notes<\/a><\/li>\n
- 8. The title and description of a New Yorker article<\/a><\/li>\n
- 9. Survey report executive summary by Harvard<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- 10. Meta executive summary with ClickUp AI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What is an Executive Summary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An executive summary is a shorter version of a longer corporate document. It summarizes the salient points of a business plan, proposal, or report so executives can get the gist and read further about what matters to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, the tl;dr (too long; didn\u2019t read) version.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ClickUp-State-of-Workplace-Communication-Survey-Report_Banner-3.png\")
Get free report <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udceeClickUp Insight: <\/strong>We recently discovered that about 33% of knowledge workers<\/a> message 1 to 3 people daily to get the context they need. But what if you had all the information documented and readily available? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With ClickUp Brain<\/a> by your side, context switching becomes a thing of the past. Simply ask the question right from your workspace, and ClickUp Brain will pull up the information from your workspace and\/or connected third-party apps\u2014and even summarize it for faster decision-making!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udce5 Our State of Workplace Communication Report<\/a> breaks down the data\u2014and how to keep your team on the same page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get free report<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nA typical executive summary includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Problem statement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proposed solution<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Expected outcomes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conclusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This might vary depending on what you write an executive summary for. Let\u2019s take the example of a project report. You might have to replace the proposed solution and expected outcomes with execution solutions and actual outcomes achieved, respectively. Or, if you\u2019re writing a business plan, research proposal, or market analysis, you might include your methodology, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that you know the purpose of an executive summary, let\u2019s see how to write one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Write Executive Summaries and Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While an executive summary is just a condensed version of a longer report, it isn\u2019t easy to write. It needs to capture the essence of the report, outline the salient points, and tell a story as compelling as the full report. Here are some ways you can achieve that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Identify the story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just stating facts and data wouldn\u2019t be a compelling read for anyone. So, identify the story that really impacts people\u2019s lives. While industry terms like workflow optimization<\/a> or cost control capture people\u2019s attention, they don\u2019t tell the real story behind your efforts. Focus on the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re writing the project executive summary in software development, you might begin with what matters to the reader as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n In 2020, the retail major was managing its inventory on spreadsheets. So, whenever a customer asked whether a product was in stock, a staff member had to walk across the 5000 sq. ft. store to check, often with the customer in tow.
The new ABC digital inventory management system records stock in and out online in real time. The staff member can check and confirm in a flash. More pertinently, the customers themselves can check at any of the 25 kiosks throughout the store.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\u2b50 Featured Template<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Craft clear and compelling executive summaries with the ClickUp Executive Summary Template<\/a>. Organize key points efficiently and impress stakeholders every time you communicate. Try it for free today!<\/mark> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"ClickUp\u2019s](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-483.png\")
Get Free Template<\/a><\/div><\/div>Create professional executive summaries fast with the ClickUp Executive Summary Template<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n 2. Bring the data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While the story is more important, data isn\u2019t useless. Accurate and relevant data helps establish credibility. Your next section might say the following in the ABC digital inventory management system example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Since the implementation of the ABC inventory management system, the retail major has seen:
85% decrease in time taken to check stock
75% decrease in time taken to find where stock is placed<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n3. Expand on the benefits<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
The data demonstrates that there has been real improvement. However, for the reader to understand its impact, you must explain the benefits. This can be done with real-life scenarios or even quotes. For example,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Adrian, the customer service manager at the Central Park store, says, \u201cNow, from anywhere\u2014a kiosk, the checkout counter, or my mobile phone\u2014I can quickly check stock and confirm we have the products the customer needs. I see that customers are delighted at getting their answers instantly.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
You can also use data to do this. For example, you can explain how the decreased time taken to check stock has increased staff productivity, customer satisfaction, or company revenue. Or you can include your suggestions here. Based on your observations, explain the process improvement methodologies<\/a> you recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Conclude powerfully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is the time to complete the story. Here, talk about how your project has delivered the changes in the present and sets up for an even more prosperous future. This could be something like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n The ABC inventory management system marks the first step in the retail major\u2019s digital transformation journey. By Q2 next year, we will link the store solution to the e-commerce inventory platform to give 360-degree visibility into the stock situation. This would also enable a new sales channel in the form of Buy Online, Pick Up in Store (BOPIS), enabling same-day fulfillment.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Best Practices for Writing Executive Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While you write your executive summary, here are some best practices to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep it short and simple<\/strong>: The length might depend on the report you\u2019re summarizing, but it\u2019s best to keep it under one page for quick reading. Also, avoid cliches and jargon; make it easy to read. A quick business plan under one page is the best first impression you can make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focus on the target audience<\/strong>: Not all executive summaries are read by business executives. Often, you might want to address your summary to peers, vendors, partners, or even teens. Know your target audience and customize your executive summary accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the right tool<\/strong>: You can, of course, use Notepad or Word doc to write your executive summaries. But give it a boost with modern document software like ClickUp Docs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Use rich formatting features without jumping through hoops<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Style the critical information with color-coded banners, buttons, and more<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collaborate in real time with comments, action items, and trackable tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Securely share with anyone with appropriate access controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pick a suitable template<\/strong>: If it\u2019s your first time writing an executive summary, we\u2019ve got your back. Fire up one of ClickUp\u2019s executive summary templates<\/a> or content writing templates<\/a>, and kickstart your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rich](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/ClickUp-Docs.gif\")
Modernize your executive summaries with ClickUp Docs<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Get the AI boost<\/strong>: If you\u2019ve thoughtfully created your report, you can write your executive summary much quicker with one of the many AI writing tools<\/a>. For instance, ClickUp Brain<\/a> offers a single-click summarize option right on ClickUp Docs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Clickup](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/clickup-ai.gif\")
Summarise meeting notes in a single click with Clickup Brain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more? ClickUp Brain supports you in brainstorming new ideas, writing the first drafts of your executive summaries, and proofreading them for good measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 2. Research report executive summary example from McKinsey<\/a><\/li>\n
- 2. Bring the data<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Write Executive Summaries and Examples<\/a>\n