How to Write an Action-Planning Memo

The ability to communicate an action plan through writing is essential for advancing ideas, earning credibility, and garnering support. Research has shown that leaders who write formal plans are more likely to execute successfully—written plans help members of an organization focus on common goals and the allocation and coordination of resources. Organizations have increasingly required employees to write memos as supplements (or replacements) to presentations (e.g., Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Tesla’s Elon Musk banned the use of slides in internal meetings and, instead, mandated “memo-only” policies). Unlike presentations, where information is often listed as bullet points, action-planning memos include more detail and context. They also serve as intellectual assets that can help team members learn from success and failure. This Note explains how to write an effective action-planning memo. It consists of four parts: (1) when to write a memo versus other forms of communication; (2) key components of an action-planning memo; (3) tips for writing a memo; and (4) avoiding common traps. The Note is designed for use by both students and executives. Instructors can assign the Note to help their students develop writing skills needed for classroom assignments. Executives will find it useful for honing their written communication skills.