How to Write an Executive SummaryWhether you work in banking, real estate, insurance, manufacturing, law, education, or another profession, youve likely had or will have to write an executive summary. In this article, well discuss tips for writing relevant and useful executive summaries.Lets dive in!What is an Executive Summary?An executive summary is a concise summary of a longer document or proposal, intended to give readers an understanding of the main points without having to read the entire document.Its an important tool in business and academic settings, used in reports, business plans, research papers, marketing proposals, and more.Executive summaries are not background and not an introduction. People who read only the executive summary should get the essence of the document without fine details.What Should be Included in an Executive Summary?An executive summary should be tailored based on the documents content and intended audience. Components of an executive summary may include:Introduction: Begin with an introduction that provides context about the document or project. This could be a brief description of the company, project, or proposal the summary is derived from.Example: “XYZ Corporation, established in 2010, is a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions targeting mid-sized industries.”Project or Business Summary: Clearly state the objective or mission of the business or project. This should succinctly convey the main goal or purpose.Example: “Our new project, Green Future, aims to revolutionize the energy sector by providing affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly energy solutions to 50 industries within the next three years.”Problems and Solutions: Highlight the primary challenges or problems addressed in the document and outline the proposed solutions or strategies to overcome them.Example: “The industrial sector contributes to 40% of global carbon emissions. Green Future proposes to reduce these emissions by 20% by integrating solar and wind energy sources.”Background Information: Offer relevant background details that can help the reader understand the context, such as the history of the project or the motivation behind a business idea.Example: “Over the past five years, XYZ Corporation has collaborated with top energy researchers to devise a hybrid energy model that is both sustainable and efficient.”Market Research and Competitive Advantage: Summarize market research findings, emphasizing what sets your product, service, or project apart from competitors.Example: “Our market analysis indicates a 25% increase in demand for sustainable energy in the next decade. Unlike our competitors, our patented energy conversion technique ensures a 95% efficiency rate.”Business Model: Briefly explain the business model or strategy that will be used to achieve the objectives stated earlier.Example: “We operate on a subscription-based model, allowing industries to receive continuous energy updates and maintenance services for a fixed monthly fee.”Key Findings or Results: If applicable, present any significant findings or results derived from the main document, especially if they validate the approach or solution proposed.Example: “Pilot testing in five industries resulted in a 15% reduction in energy costs and a 10% decrease in carbon footprints within a year.”Conclusions or Recommendations: Depending on the nature of the main document, wrap up the summary with conclusions drawn from the data or any recommendations for future actions.Example: “To achieve a greener industrial future and meet global carbon reduction targets, adopting the Green Future model is not only beneficial but essential.”As for length, while theres no strict word count, the summary should be concise enough to be skimmed in a few minutes but detailed enough to deliver the main points. Typically, it should be about 5-10% of the length of the original document, ensuring it doesnt overwhelm the reader with too many details.Tone and Language in an Executive SummaryTone and language can have a meaningful impact on how your summary, or any written communication, is received. Some things to keep in mind: True to Your Company and Audience: Tailor the tone of your executive summary to reflect your companys culture and the intended audience. For instance, if you are a startup addressing young entrepreneurs, a slightly informal and energetic tone might be appropriate. Conversely, a report for corporate stakeholders should be more traditional and formal. Balanced: While its essential to be optimistic and highlight the positive aspects, avoid overselling or making unsupported claims. Strive for a balanced perspective that gives an honest and realistic view of the situation or proposal. Clear and Understandable: Not all readers might be experts in the field. Avoid technical terms or industry jargon unless necessary and, if used, provide brief explanations. T