The 4 Key Steps to a Business Review Your Leaders Will Love and Act On
READING TIME - 5 MINUTES
Have you ever sat through a Weekly Business Review (WBR) that felt like a waste of time?
The kind where the data is there, but it doesn’t leave you with a clear direction?
It’s frustrating, right?
But what if your WBR could actually energizeyour leaders, provide clarity, and drive action?
Here’s the secret: it’s all about how you structure it.
Let’s be honest for a second—Weekly Business Reviews (WBRs) can feel like a grind sometimes.
You’re presenting numbers, KPIs, and project updates—and let’s face it, a lot of that can feel dry.
But here's the thing: if done right, a WBR can be your chance to shine and give your leaders the insights they actually need to make decisions.
Over the years, I’ve seen WBRs that were just fine and others that made a real impact.
The difference?
It’s all in how you present the content and frame the discussion.
And today, I’m going to share 4 simple steps you can follow to make your next WBR one your leaders will love—and actually look forward to.
(Step 1) Start with Clear Goals—Without This, You’re Just Wasting Time
Before you dive into the numbers, make sure you’re crystal clear on your goals.
What exactly are you trying to achieve?
If you don’t know what you’re aiming for, how can anyone else?
Why this matters: Setting clear goals helps you stay focused on what really matters. And when you’re ahead of goal, you’ll want to celebrate. If you’re behind, your leaders will want to know what’s missing and what’s next.
Before your meeting, ask yourself—What’s the one goal I want to make sure my team remembers from this WBR?
That’s your anchor.
(Step 2) Track Progress—But Make Sure You’re Tracking the Right Things
Okay, so you’ve got your goals in place.
Now, let’s see where you stand.
This isn’t just about showing data—it’s about tracking progress toward those goals.
Whether you're ahead or behind, your leaders want to know where you are and how you plan to get there.
Why this matters: If you’re ahead of your goals, great! Let them know what’s working and why.
If you’re behind, be open about why and what you’re doing to get back on track.
Quick Tip: Focus on the most important metrics. Too much data will make your message get lost in the noise.
(Step 3) Act with Urgency—The Power of Small Wins
This one might sound obvious, but it’s crucial: you have to act with urgency.
The quicker you move on opportunities, the faster you can generate wins.
Small wins may seem insignificant on their own, but over time, they compound into something much bigger.
Leaders want to see that things are moving forward, and fast.
Why this matters: Quick action leads to quick feedback and even faster results.
Waiting for the “perfect” solution will only slow you down.
Quick Tip: Celebrate small wins and show how fast you’re learning and adapting.
Urgency is key—don’t wait for the perfect plan; just start.
(Step 4) Narrow Your Focus—3-4 Key Areas, No More
Here’s a mistake I’ve seen:
trying to do too much at once. When you throw too many things into the mix, it’s hard to prioritize and really make an impact.
Instead, focus on 3-4 high-priority areas—the things that will actually move the needle.
Why this matters: Leaders want to know you’re focused.
If you’re spreading your efforts too thin, they’ll worry about whether you’re executing well on anything.
Pick the top opportunities and show how you’ll knock them out of the park.
Quick Tip: You don’t need a laundry list of goals. Stick to the 3-4 most important things and make sure they’re getting all your attention.
Bonus Tip: Prepare for Questions Before They’re Asked
A smooth WBR isn’t just about presenting—it’s about anticipating questions.
You know your audience and what they’ll ask.
By preparing answers for common exec questions ahead of time, you’re showing that you’re thinking critically and proactively about the business.
Why this matters: Being prepared gives you confidence, and it makes the WBR more efficient.
Executives don’t want to wait around for answers—they want you to be ahead of the game.
Quick Tip: Use a “cheat sheet” for the top questions your leadership team might ask.
This way, you’re always ready and ahead of the curve.
Building a Weekly Business Review that your leaders will love isn’t about filling PowerPoint slides with data.
It’s about crafting a story—
a story that highlights your team’s progress, challenges, and opportunities in a way that’s clear, engaging, and actionable.
Listen I get it. I've been in your shoes, and I want to help you!
If you want to take your presentation skills to the next level and master storytelling in your WBRs (and beyond), my Presentation Mastery Program is designed to help you build the skills you need to create impactful, memorable presentations.