Over 60% of board members say their organisation's success is directly linked to how well leadership communicates progress and challenges.

A well-executed report and presentation can be the difference between gaining board approval and facing pushback. Therefore, mastering the art of reporting and presentation is essential for interim managers who wish to leave a lasting positive impact.

 

Know Your Audience: Understanding the Board's Priorities

Board members are typically focused on the bigger picture - strategic goals, financial health, risk management, and regulatory compliance. 

They may not be interested in the minutiae of day-to-day operations but are keen to understand how your work impacts these key areas.

  • Pro Tip: Engage with individual board members before delivering your first report. Tailoring your reporting to address their specific priorities will go a long way.

 

Focus on Strategic Impact and Outcomes

Instead of detailing every task accomplished, emphasise the strategic impact of your work. Highlight how your actions have advanced the organisation's goals, mitigated risks, or created new opportunities.

Create a clear narrative that links your assignment to the specific goals of the business. This not only showcases your contribution but also reassures the board that you are aligned with their vision.

Use metrics to demonstrate progress and outcomes, such as increased revenue, cost savings, or improved operational efficiency.

 

Be Concise and Structured

Board members appreciate presentations that are concise and to the point. A structured approach can help keep your report focused and engaging; for example,

1. Progress: Key accomplishments since your last report

2. Challenges: Any obstacles faced and how they were addressed

3. Outcomes: Impact on strategic goals, with supporting data

4. Next Steps: Outline the next phase of your assignment or any actions required from the board

 

  • Pro Tip: Use the 10/20/30 rule of presentations: No more than 10 slides, lasting no longer than 20 minutes, and use at least 30-point font size for readability. This ensures clarity and keeps the board's attention.

 

Take Advantage of Visual Storytelling

Data is powerful when it comes to proving your points but using visual storytelling can change the game. Visual aids like charts, graphs, and infographics can help convey complex data more effectively and keep your audience engaged.

Don't just present data - interpret it. Explain what the numbers mean and how they relate to the strategic goals and highlight trends, comparisons, and significant changes resulting from your work.

 

Anticipate Questions to Build Trust

When presenting to the board, the questions they ask are more than just a request for clarification - they're a test of your confidence, understanding, and preparedness.

From a psychological perspective, anticipating and confidently answering these questions shows you're not only in control of the details but also aligned with their expectations and concerns. 

By anticipating these questions, you're signalling that you've already thought through the challenges and are ready to address them. This doesn't just demonstrate competence; it builds trust. 

When board members see that you're prepared, they feel more comfortable with your decisions and leadership.

 

  • Pro Tip: Prepare a Q&A slide or document for your report and include the tough questions the board might be asking in their heads.

 

Turn Insights into Action

When your presentation concludes, it's not just about summarising what's been said - it's about setting the stage for what comes next. 

The call to action is your opportunity to transform information into momentum. Whether seeking approval for the next phase or additional resources, it's essential to be direct and explicit about your needs.

A vague or ambiguous conclusion risks losing the board's attention and slowing project momentum.

 

Conclusion

Presenting to the board is more than a check-the-box exercise; it's a chance to influence, guide, and lead. It's where strategy meets execution and where your ability to communicate vision can shape the trajectory of the entire project and possibly the future of the business.

In the end, your presentation is an opportunity to inspire confidence. By being clear, concise, and prepared, you transform what could be just another board update into a powerful narrative of progress and potential. 

  • Pro Tip: Your influence doesn't end when the meeting does - what you present today sets the stage for the decisions that drive future success. Make it count.