Briefing Note Skill

A briefing note gets a principal ready for a decision, a meeting, or a question — on one page, in two minutes. It's ruthlessly concise: purpose, the few facts that matter, the considerations, and what's being asked. This skill writes that note in the standard structure officials and executives expect.

Required Inputs

Ask for these only if they aren't already provided:

• Purpose — why the note exists: for decision, for information, or for a meeting/event.
• The audience — who's being briefed and what they need (and already know).
• The substance — the issue, key facts, relevant background, positions of stakeholders.
• The ask — the decision sought, or the meeting/response the note prepares them for.

Output Format

BRIEFING NOTE — [subject]

Date · Prepared for · Purpose: [for decision / for information / for meeting on DATE]

Issue — one or two lines: what this is about and why it's in front of them now.

Background — the minimum context needed, as tight bullets (dates, decisions to date, who's involved). No history for its own sake.

Key considerations — the factors that matter to the decision or discussion: facts, risks, sensitivities (financial, legal, political, reputational), stakeholder positions. Bullets, not prose.

Recommendation / decision sought — if for decision: the recommended action and one-line rationale. If for information/meeting: the key messages or the line to take, and likely questions with suggested answers.

Contact — who to follow up with.

Keep it to one page. Detail belongs in an annex, referenced not included.