A CEO report helps you keep your board or key stakeholders updated on how the business is tracking. Whether you’re leading a small team or a growing company, having a simple, clear format makes it easier to share the big picture. Here’s how to put together a report that’s both useful and easy to follow.
Start With a Quick Summary
Begin with a short overview of where the business stands right now. This part should mention recent wins, any issues you’re dealing with, and what you’re focusing on. This serves as a concise overview, providing your board with a clear understanding of the business’s strengths and areas requiring focus.
Keep it brief. A paragraph or two is enough to set the scene and show the direction you’re heading in.
Back It Up With Key Numbers
Once you’ve covered the summary, bring in the numbers. Show things like revenue, customer growth, cash flow, or other figures that matter to your business. But don’t just list them—explain what they mean.
If something’s dropped, say why. If something’s improved, point out what caused it. Numbers are helpful, but they matter more when people know the story behind them.
Show Progress on Big Goals
This part of the report is where you update the board on your plans. Talk about how things are going with your major projects—like product updates, marketing campaigns, or changes to operations.
Be honest about what’s on track and what’s fallen behind. If you’ve hit a milestone, say so. If a task is taking longer than anticipated, please share how you are managing it.
Talk About Any Problems You’re Solving
Every business runs into problems now and then. This is the place to be open about them. Let the board know what’s getting in the way—like hiring issues, delays from suppliers, or tech problems.
It is important to discuss the steps you are taking to address the issues. That way, the report doesn’t just feel like a list of problems—it shows you’ve got a plan and you’re on top of it.
Keep the Format Simple and Easy to Read
When the layout is clean, it is easier for people to find what they are looking for. This text can be broken up into sections by using headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points. Charts and graphs can also be helpful, particularly when it comes to displaying trends.
It is possible to save time each month and maintain a consistent format if you use a template that is always the same. That helps the board follow along and stay focused.
Share Updates About the Team
Boards care about more than just numbers—they want to know how your team’s doing. Use this section to talk about staff wins, new hires, culture shifts, or training programmes.
If you have conducted a staff survey or implemented changes to enhance morale, please share your observations. It shows you’re keeping your team in mind, not just the bottom line.
Finish With What’s Coming Next
Wrap up with what you’ll be focusing on over the next few weeks or months. Include important objectives, necessary choices, and matters the board should monitor.
This keeps everyone aligned and gives your leadership team something clear to work towards.
A Good CEO Report Keeps Things Clear
A strong CEO report template doesn’t have to be long or fancy. It just needs to share the right information in a way that’s easy to understand. When you’ve got a solid template, writing the report becomes quicker and more consistent—and your board stays informed without needing to ask for more.
