exec-summarylisted

# exec-summary Produces an **executive summary**: a short, standalone brief for decision-makers — executives, sponsors, board members — who need the conclusion and the single recommended action, and will not read past page two. Its center of gravity is the **BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)** — the answer and the recommended action stated before any context. An exec summary states conclusions and their business consequence; it does not narrate method, explore alternatives, or expose intermediate analysis. This genre follows the widely-used BLUF convention, with an additive optional overlay for composing into a fuller ESOMAR-style market-research report or PTES-style pentest report as their leadership-summary section. ## Pattern (industry: BLUF executive summary) 1. **BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)** — one paragraph: the answer and the recommended action, stated before any context. Never open with method or background. The heading must literally contain "BLUF" (e.g. `## BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)`) so automated checks can locate it. 2. **Key Findings** — 3 to 5 bullets, each a single load-bearing fact with its "so what". Cite the source behind each quantified claim. 3. **Recommendation** — one bold, specific, actionable directive. Include What / Why / How / Risk. 4. **Risks & Caveats** — the 1 to 3 conditions under which the recommendation fails, plus the confidence basis for any uncertain finding. ## Rules that keep it an executive summary - Length is a hard