Description

Briefing notes are an important resource when information must be disseminated quickly and accurately from information-gatherers and subject matter experts to decision makers. How can briefing notes provide clear, concise, complete summaries to help target readers grasp the essential details of an issue and act on them? Through a combination of lessons, discussions, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn to create useful and effective documents to inform and advise their readers. Checklists for planning and editing briefing notes will be provided.

Learning Outcomes

  • Types of briefing notes
  • Elements of an effective briefing note
  • Planning the briefing note: knowing your audience, understanding the issue and purpose of the briefing note
  • Structure of a briefing note: issue, background, current status, strategic considerations, options/recommendations, conclusion and next steps
  • Briefing from different sources
  • Writing style: balancing conciseness and clarity
  • Revising the briefing note
  • Specific problems: eliminating unnecessary detail; being economical with words; remaining impartial; working with tight deadlines; etc.

Duration

12 hours

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Instructors

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Nathan Lockhart is a learning professional and certified executive coach with more than 25 years of experience. He has provided one-on-one coaching to executives on a range of topics related to leadership and communications. He has also delivered more than 750 workshops to organizations in the private and non-governmental sectors and to more than 65 federal departments, including all three central agencies. A former employee of Health Canada and the Privy Council Office, Nathan’s knowledge spans a number of important disciplines including public policy development, negotiation, issues management, facilitation and strategic communications. He is a dynamic public speaker with a strong understanding of workplace challenges and demands facing today's professionals. He is a graduate of the University of Ottawa (Master of Arts in Political Science), Royal Roads University (Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching) and York University (Masters Certificate in Adult Training and Development). He is a certified executive coach with the International Coaching Federation.

 

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Daniel Wong, BSc, MBA, has specialized in IM/IT for more than 30 years, in both the private and public sectors (municipal and federal) and has consulted in the not-for-profit and charitable organizations. He draws on his executive level experience in program delivery, people development, financial management and inter-ministerial partnerships.

Daniel is recognized as a seasoned project manager (PMP) and scrum master (PSM I) where he has led various cross functional teams to deliver complex IT projects, service renewal initiatives and business transformation in a large-scale operational and multi-client organization. Moreover, he has noteworthy experience in adult education, internal audit, environmental data analysis and coaching in lean six sigma (Black Belt), performance management and strategic thinking.

Daniel is particularly effective in building partnerships with business and IT communities.

 

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Since 1998, Nathalie Reynaud has had an international career, including working and living in Europe, Mexico and India. She worked in research, in the academic world, the private sector (Multinationals, Small and Medium Enterprises), the public sector and for international organisations such as the United Nations. Ten years ago, she founded her own business in consulting, training and coaching. She accompanied a wide range of people from executives to students as well as entrepreneurs, from various industries such as banking, cosmetics, food, IT, education, leisure, aerospace. She has a scientific background and an MBA in specialized in change management.

 

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Andrés J. Drew (B.A., B.C.L., LL.B., M.Sc.) is a bilingual lawyer with over 15 years of experience in both the private sector and government. He specializes in the intersection of law, policy, regulation, and economics and has a proven track record of communicating complex issues, negotiating with stakeholders, successfully selling ideas in large organizations, and navigating hiring processes. Andrés also teaches at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and School of Political Studies. His unique ability to facilitate, coach, and engage audiences creates a dynamic learning environment for participants.

Excellent workshop. It addressed all my thoughts with respect to writing effective briefing notes. The instructor was impeccable.