Support Change & Influence Decisions: Templates

Write Your recommendation in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases

1 State clearly, preferably in the first sentence, what your recommendation is about.

Sample Sentences for Step 1

• Subject: Recommendation that we close our Springfield Branch
• After studying several competing models, I am pleased to recommend the purchase of the Q500 compressor.
• Our committee has voted unanimously to recommend the introduction of a second course of study.
• After careful study of the problems in our Springfield store, I recommend that we close it.
• I recommend that we accept John Doe's suggestion.
• I recommend that we approve this purchase so our delivery personnel will have safer vehicles.

Key Phrases for Step 1

• after careful study
• after a thorough review
• we are pleased to report that
• as we discussed previously
• can expect impressive results
• can best solve the problem by
• I can recommend that
• enthusiastically recommend that we
• have developed a strategy to
• have no hesitation in recommending
• have asked for this change
• have voted unanimously
• is clearly superior to
• justifies our canceling this
• on a restricted basis
• our goal of
• recommend the introduction of
• should follow through with
• take action immediately to
• the problems can be solved by
• the best way to curb the problem is
• this official recommendation will
• this will eliminate
• to meet the challenges of
• will advance us towards
• will meet our needs
• I would heartily recommend

2 State the resulting benefits as concisely as possible. The use of "bullets" to mark a list of benefits may be helpful.

Sample Sentences for Step 2

• If we do this, the following benefits can be realized:
  - production time will decrease by 10%
  - morale will improve
  - employees' writing skills will improve
  - students will be able to finish their degrees in less time
  - our product will have longer shelf-life
  - insurance costs will stabilize
  - we will be less vulnerable to litigation
• If we restructure the curriculum as the professional staff suggests, we can expect the following benefits:
  - more students will be able to enroll
  - experienced faculty will teach more lower-division courses
  - a new minor emphasis will be available for language students
  - the same person will schedule all courses
  I believe these benefits outweigh any objections that could be raised.
• This compressor is quieter, more fuel efficient, has a longer maintenance interval, and is manufactured by American union workers.

Key Phrases for Step 2

• a greater emphasis on
• anticipate savings of
• be less vulnerable to
• benefits that can be realized
• can expect the following
• can achieve the following
• cut down on waste
• if we implement these
• improved morale throughout
• increased long-term profitability
• increased competitiveness
• keep on the cutting edge of
• maintain our reputation for
• outweigh any objections
• positive effects on
• provide incentives for
• see an improvement in
• significant benefits to
• the proposed restructuring
• will stabilize
• will be able to complete

3 Close by restating the recommendation and suggesting action to follow. Make it easy for your reader to let you know whether your recommendation is approved.

Sample Sentences for Step 3

• In short, buying the Q500 compressor makes good business sense.
• I am sold on the Q500 compressor and trust its purchase will be approved.
• Since this new opportunity brings so many benefits to the company, I hope it will be approved.
• For these reasons I recommend that we incorporate the committee's suggestion.
• I recommend that we wait for next month's figures before announcing a decision. In the meantime we should notify the suppliers.
• If this recommendation meets with your approval, please initial at the bottom and return it.
• If the directors approve this recommendation, please let me know.
• I will call on Tuesday to see whether this recommendation has been accepted.
• I recommend we approve this purchase. It meets our financial criteria and advances us toward our goal.
• I therefore cast my vote for acceptance of the revision. It makes good sense.

Key Phrases for Step 3

• accept this revision
• I am pleased to recommend
• announce a decision
• I feel satisfied that
• for these reasons
• happy to answer your questions
• if this meets with your approval
• in the meantime we should
• incorporate the committee's recommendation
• is an excellent opportunity
• makes sense to act immediately
• makes good business sense
• may wish to delay implementation until
• recommend that we approve
• results of a pilot program
• should act as soon as possible
• so beneficial to the
• was a unanimous decision
• will gain final approval
• will present this to the board