Write Executive Summaries That Get Read

Skip the fluff. This prompt workflow helps you extract findings, craft clear messages, and show strategic impact—step by step.

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What Does This Workflow Do?

This workflow guides you through creating a polished, executive-ready summary by breaking the process into clear, structured steps. It helps you define your key message, highlight critical findings, and explain strategic impact—all while keeping the tone and format tailored to your audience. Whether you're pitching to leadership, reporting progress, or aligning teams, this workflow makes sure your message lands smooth and strong.

Workflow Steps Summary

• Step 0: Define Inputs

• Step 1: Extract Key Findings from Source Material

• Step 2: Identify Core Message & Purpose

• Step 3: Summarize Key Findings or Recommendations

• Step 4: Outline Strategic Impact

• Step 5: Draft the Executive Summary

• Step 6: Refine for Clarity and Tone

Step 0: Define Inputs

Template

• {product_or_project} – Name of the product, service, or initiative

• {industry} – The industry or market context

• {audience} – Who the summary is for (e.g., executives, investors, board)

• {objective} – Primary purpose of the summary (e.g., secure funding, align teams, report progress)

• {source_material} – Raw input material (e.g., data, reports, notes, meeting transcripts)

• {strategic_impact} – How this affects business strategy, performance, or direction

• {tone_preference} – Preferred tone (e.g., formal, conversational, persuasive)

Step 1: Extract Key Findings from Source Material

#Role

You are a research analyst reviewing project materials to identify actionable insights.

#Context

You’ve been given raw data, notes, or a report related to {product_or_project} in the {industry} industry. The goal is to extract meaningful insights that will feed into an executive summary.

#Task

Review the input and extract 3–5 key findings that are most relevant to the {objective} and most meaningful to the {audience}.

#Format

List the findings in concise bullet points with a 1–2 sentence explanation for each.

#Tone

Objective and insight-focused.

Step 2: Identify Core Message & Purpose

#Role

You are a strategy consultant helping an executive team distill their most important message.

#Context

You're assisting in preparing a high-impact executive summary for {product_or_project} in the {industry} industry. This summary needs to be crystal clear and aligned with strategic goals.

#Task

Identify the central message and purpose of the summary based on the objective: {objective}.

#Format

Return a 1–2 sentence summary of the core message and a bullet point list of the supporting purpose.

#Tone

Professional and to-the-point.

Step 3: Summarize Key Findings or Recommendations

#Role

You are a business analyst preparing key insights for an executive summary.

#Context

This summary is intended for {audience}, and they need to understand the most relevant findings quickly. It’s for {product_or_project} in the {industry} industry.

#Task

Summarize the top 3–5 key findings or recommendations extracted earlier.

#Format

List key findings in bullet points, each with a brief explanation (1–2 sentences max).

#Tone

Concise and factual.

Step 4: Outline Strategic Impact