The Status Update

The status update one-pager is the most frequently written and most frequently useless document in business communication. Status updates that report what happened without surfacing a decision need are noise. A status update that does not require the executive to do anything could have been an email to their assistant. A status update that works tells the executive where the program stands, what changed, what it means, and what it needs from them.

The status update structure: where we are, what changed, what it means, what we need. Each component is required.

Where we are: one sentence on current phase or milestone. 'Implementation is 60% complete. Target go-live remains September 1.'

What changed: two to three sentences on what has happened since the last update that the executive did not know. Not a full timeline — only developments that change the picture. 'Integration with the legacy claims system required an additional two-week extension for API work. This is absorbed within the existing timeline buffer. No change to go-live date.'

What it means: one to two sentences on the so-what. If nothing has changed materially, the executive needs to know that explicitly. 'Current trajectory supports the projected $2.1M annual cost reduction and 14-month payback period.'

What we need: specific, or nothing. If the executive does not need to take any action, say so. 'No executive action required this period.' If they do need to take action, state it with the same precision as an ask. 'Approve the API contract extension: $45K, within existing contingency budget, signature required by [Date].'

# [Initiative Name]: Status Update — [Month Year]
Reporting Period: [Start] – [End] | Next Update: [Date]

---

## Where We Are
[Phase/milestone]: [Brief status — on track / behind / ahead]
Go-live remains [Date]. Overall: [On schedule / At risk / Behind — with specific variance].

## What Changed
[2–3 sentences: Developments since last update that change the executive's picture.
If nothing material changed, say so: "No material changes since the [Date] update."]

## What It Means
[1–2 sentences: Impact on trajectory — timeline, budget, projected return, risk.
Confirm or update the key metrics from the approved business case.]

| Metric | Approved | Current Projection | Variance |
|--------|----------|-------------------|----------|
| Go-live date | [Date] | [Date] | [0 / +X days / -X days] |
| Total investment | $[Amount] | $[Amount] | [$0 / +$X / -$X] |
| Projected annual return | $[Amount] | $[Amount] | [On track / Revised] |
| Payback period | Month [X] | Month [X] | [Unchanged / +/- X months] |

## What We Need
[Specific executive action required, or: "No executive action required this period."]
[If action required: Specific action | $Amount if applicable | Decision by Date]

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*Program contact: [Name] | [Email] | Next milestone: [Date + Milestone name]*