# Executive Summary

> Write concise, high-signal executive summaries that capture the key message, evidence, and recommendation for senior audiences. Use when a document, report, or proposal needs a one-page (or shorter) summary for decision-makers.

- Skill: `itsual/executive-summary` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add itsual/executive-summary`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/itsual/executive-summary/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Docs & Writing
- Author: itsual (https://skillmd.com/u/itsual)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/itsual/executive-summary

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# Executive Summary

## Overview

An executive summary is often the only part a senior reader will fully read. It must stand alone and drive the reader toward a decision or clear understanding.

## When to Use

- Beginning of reports, proposals, business cases, or research papers
- Status updates for leadership
- Any document where the primary audience is short on time

## Core Elements

- Context (1–2 sentences)
- Key findings or insights
- Recommendation or decision required
- Main supporting evidence (brief)
- Implications or next steps

## Principles

- Write it last, after the full document exists
- Lead with the answer / recommendation, not the background
- Use short paragraphs and bullets
- Avoid jargon and unnecessary qualifiers
- Make it possible to act from the summary alone

## Length Guidance

- Prefer ½ to 1 page
- For very senior audiences, aim even shorter when possible

## Verification

- [ ] Summary can be read and understood without the rest of the document
- [ ] Recommendation or core message is unmistakable
- [ ] No critical surprises appear only later in the document