The Complete Narrative

A complete executive narrative has three layers: recommendation first, evidence stack, and 'so what' throughout. Each layer plays a distinct role. Recommendation first establishes where the argument is going. The evidence stack closes the argument. The 'so what' layer connects every piece of evidence to the decision. Remove any layer and the narrative breaks — not in a way that is always obvious, but in a way that produces confusion where clarity was available.

# Complete Executive Narrative: Annotated Example

---
## SCQA — Orients the executive before asking for attention

**Situation:** Our claims team processes 2,400 claims/month at 8.2 hrs/claim.

**Complication:** Q3 volume growth of 34% requires either 12 new FTEs ($1.8M)
or a change to how claims are processed.

**Question:** How do we absorb Q3 volume without proportional headcount growth?

**Answer:** Approve a $250K 90-day AI pilot targeting claims triage, Q2 launch.

---
## RECOMMENDATION — Specific, actionable, time-bound

Approve $250K for a 90-day AI pilot targeting the claims intake and triage
workflow. Launch Q2 2026. Decision needed by March 15.

---
## EVIDENCE — Primary data → peer examples → cost of inaction

**Primary data:** 90-day pilot across 847 claims reduced processing time
from 8.2 hours to 1.4 hours (83% reduction). Accuracy: 96.2% on triage
categorization vs. 94.8% for manual review.
[SO WHAT: Full deployment absorbs Q3 volume within current headcount.]

**Peer example:** Acme Corp (comparable claims volume, similar legacy systems)
deployed in Q3 2025. Year-one results: 40% reduction in manual review,
$1.6M in savings, zero unplanned downtime during transition.
[SO WHAT: The approach is proven in a directly comparable environment.]

**Cost of inaction:** Each quarter of delay costs ~$205K in continued
inefficiency plus contractor spend required to cover Q3 volume.
[SO WHAT: The Q2 launch is not just preferable — it is economically optimal.]

---
## OBJECTION RESPONSES — Pre-answered, embedded in the argument

Data quality concern → Addressed: parallel processing for first 30 days.
Timeline concern → Addressed: vendor on standby, team allocated.
"Why not hire instead?" → Addressed: $1.8M/year vs. $250K one-time pilot.

---
## THE ASK — Specific action, named owner, deadline

Approve Phase 1 funding: $250K.
Authorize data access for the claims database (IT sign-off needed).
Assign executive sponsor for vendor relationship.
Decision needed: March 15 to maintain Q2 launch.