|
Element |
What to specify in your brief |
|
Purpose |
Why does the board need the information in this paper? What are they going to need to do with it? |
|
Context & constraints |
Help the writer put the paper in context. Where in the chain does this paper sit? What's happened previously on this topic? What decisions have already been made? What's off the table? What are the key considerations? |
|
Specific questions |
Be crystal clear about the questions you want the writer to answer. For example: What progress have we made against plan? What risks have emerged? What decisions do we need now? What are the implications for our strategy? |
|
Balanced analysis |
Prompt writers to cover all the bases — good, bad, and uncertain. Ask for their insight: what does this mean for the organisation? What should we do about it? What happens if we don't act? |
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Practical guidance |
Point to resources such as templates that can help the writer to structure the paper. Give a word or page count. Clarify who else will review the paper and when. |
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Two-way dialogue |
Encourage writers to come back with questions. Allow time to redraft your brief if necessary. |