If you are creating an official report for the first time or revising an existing one, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure that the report is in line check it out with the requirements of your audience. Use the following guidelines to ensure your report addresses all concerns they face and provides them the information they need to effectively manage your company.

Know your audience

Take into consideration the specific needs of each member of your board and how they relate to the information on the report. For instance, if have a member of your board who comes from a finance background they’ll be more interested by hard figures for revenue and other financial information. If you have a member on your board who has worked in your industry for several years they will be interested in the most recent trends and developments. Knowing your board members will aid you in anticipating their questions and help you prepare for a successful meeting.

Show Don’t Tell

Your board members will be eager to learn the truth about how your business is doing. Be transparent, both with the positive and negative aspects. This will help them make the best decisions for your business. A lack of positive or negative information could lead to a bias in the board’s decision-making and negatively impact the outcome. It’s also important to include the negatives in your report to ensure that the board has all the information they need to make a sound decision.