Managers and executives are busy and distracted and have a short attention span. They are probably juggling a hundred things. When they ask you for an update on a task assigned to you, here’s what you should provide in your response:

1. What you asked me to do? - the expected outcome

2. What I did or am doing ? - the actual outcome

3. List of (unexpected) blockers and risks

4. Potential solution(s) to the blockers and risks

Make sure you cover these four things before you provide additional information or context. Keep your update short, sharp, and to the point.

Ideally, provide this update in writing where possible so that you can keep track of status updates over time.

Bottom line: The goal is to communicate the important bits of information upfront so that people can make a decision, or take an action, or provide feedback and support (if needed).