Briefing in Business

RRHH Digital In a busy corporate world, there isn’t always time to weigh the pros and cons of a decision. Whether it’s a question of deadline or a small problem that just needs the OK,

sometimes things need to happen quickly. What’s the most efficient way to get your boss or colleague the information he/she needs? One solution is a briefing: a professional

note used to update and make recommendations for immediate changes. Not sure where to begin? Check out our do’s and don’ts below to get the response you need in no time:

DO have a clear purpose.

The main function of a briefing note is often to help its recipient make quick and accurate decisions. With that in mind, it’s essential to convey the purpose of the briefing as early

and concisely as possible. What problem needs to be solved? As soon as the issue is clear, you can begin to persuade the reader of the right solution.

DON’T ramble on without structure.

In addition using clear language, it’s important to put your briefing in an easytoread

format. Always have a title and a little background

information on the situation. How are things going now? What’s your opinion on that? What should happen next? Also, depending on how

many people have to approve it, perhaps add the ‘sign off’ signatures for each layer of management it has passed through already.

DO pay attention to length.

As a general rule, briefings should be no longer than one to two pages — particularly for someone who’s notoriously busy (like your

boss!). If your note’s objective is to get a fast decision, give the reader the essentials so he or she can get to it quickly, instead of taking

one look at it and saving it for some time when there’s a slower work pace.

DON’T make extra work for the recipient.

On the other hand, it’s not helpful to make a briefing so short that the reader is left without enough

information. Since common topics for such notes include updates on complaints; warnings about

potential problems; new project proposals; and policy changes, a missing fact or figure could

completely change the decision to come. Think you have too much info? Try making a table or

chart to shorten the word count.

DO make the distinction between fact and opinion.

If your briefing is just an update on a project or program, be careful to keep your wording as

objective as possible. It’s fine to have an opinion on things, but perhaps only appropriate to give it if

your briefing’s objective is a formal recommendation for change.

DON’T forget to organize for later reference.

Because the nature of a briefing is to act quickly, several can come and go during any given month.

Try to organize your copies of briefings by date or subject, so you

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