How to Request CEO Approval of Working Documents with a Memorandum

Kenya Lucas reports:

"At any given time, a CEO has numerous responsibilities that often compete for her attention and have a significant impact on a company’s success. Keep this selective vision in mind when you write a memorandum for CEO approval of working documents. Hone in on key points such as the nature of the documents, why she should invest her time and the deadline for completion. Make sure you are easily reachable to answer any questions or provide additional information...All memos begin with a standard header that consists of four double-spaced lines -- usually flushed to the left of the page. Enter the full name of your company’s CEO after the 'To:' line. Enter your own name after the 'From:' line. The next line begins 'Date:' and typically states your memo’s month, day and year. 'Re:' marks the subject line that summarizes the memo’s main point in a few clear words...A memo’s body ideally contains two to four paragraphs. State your main point in the first sentence or two...Continue the body with information that supports your opener’s main point...Include signal phrases such as 'according to our evaluation study' or 'based upon the Foundation’s recently awarded grants' to point the CEO to supporting evidence where appropriate...End your memo with a brief, warm closing that supports how to move your request forward...Retired corporate general manager Ernest Auerbach writes of a personal rule on the Texas Enterprise website: 'Never write more than one page to a company chairman or chief executive.' In cases where your memo absolutely must exceed one page, include a summary of key points...Add your signature to the bottom of the memo, followed by an enclosures notation line. Specifically, the line should begin 'Enclosures:' then cite all attachments such as text documents, graphics and tables. Double-check your memo’s body to ensure you have mentioned each item to avoid any confusion on the CEO’s part."