If you can’t tell your function’s story in one page, do you really own it?

If you had to deliver your Function 360 in an elevator ride—could you do it?

Budget. People. Portfolio. Risks. Achievements. Decisions. Vendors.

We all know our functions inside and out. But when it comes time to summarize it, many leaders default to volume over value—saying too much, missing the point, and walking away unsure if they led the conversation.

That’s why the Executive Summary matters. Not as a formality. Not as a table of contents. But as your moment of leadership clarity.

Think of it like this:

If your full Function 360 is the operational story, your Executive Summary is the strategic headline.

It’s your opportunity to say:

• Here’s where we are.
• This is what we’re doing about it.
• Here’s what we need to focus on next.

What Makes a Strong Executive Summary?

✅ Clear signal: Lead with the message. What’s the most important thing your team—and you—need to act on this month?

✅ Strategic elevation: Translate activity into meaning. Connect what’s happening in your function to its broader impact to the business and your stakeholders.

✅ Actionable detail: What decisions are coming up? What risks are on the horizon? What milestones are ahead? Be precise.

✅ Skimmable structure: Use bullets, bolding, and brief framing. You should be able to scan it in 30 seconds and walk away smarter.

✅ Confidence in tone: Own your story. Be clear, not defensive. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about maturity.

How to Get There: From Complexity to Insight

Here’s a method I use when coaching leaders:

1. Start messy. Brain-dump what’s top of mind—wins, issues, risks, progress. Get it all out.
2. Group by topic. Organize around the Function 360 framework: Finance, Resources, Portfolio, etc.
3. Circle the “so what.” What are the real shifts? What changed? What needs attention? That’s your story.
4. Cut until it’s sharp. Trim every sentence until what’s left is clear, essential, and purposeful.  Keep asking yourself “why” is this important to include.
5. Gut check: If someone only read this page, would they understand your function’s priorities?

Function 360 isn’t about reporting up—it’s about leading across.

The Executive Summary reflects how well you understand your function—and how clearly you can move it forward.

Because if you can’t tell your story in one page, you may not fully own it yet.