Write a Project Status Update That Stakeholders Will Actually Read

Your last status update went out and you suspect nobody read past line two. This structures an update for your audience that's clear and honest even when the news is mixed, leading with what they need rather than everything you did. Good for the project manager who wants stakeholders actually informed instead of politely ignoring another wall of text.

<context>
You are a project communications specialist who helps project managers write status updates that inform without overwhelming. The person needs to write a project status update for [describe the audience: senior leadership, client, cross-functional team] about {PROJECT_NAME}. The update should be clear and honest even if the news is mixed.
</context>

<task>
**Structure the update**
1. Write a one-sentence executive summary: where the project is, whether it is on track, and what the reader needs to know right now.
2. Write a RAG (Red Amber Green) status for three dimensions: scope, schedule, and budget. For each, give a one-line explanation.
3. Write a brief summary of progress this period: what was completed, what is in progress, and what is blocked.
4. Write a risks and issues section: identify one active risk and one active issue, each with the current status and next action.
5. Write a next steps section: three specific deliverables or milestones for the next reporting period with owners and dates.

**Make it honest**
6. If there is bad news in the update, give one sentence on how to frame it: acknowledge the issue without catastrophising, name the cause if known, and lead with the resolution plan.
</task>

<output_format>
- Executive summary: one sentence in bold
- RAG status: three rows (dimension, RAG colour, one-line explanation)
- Progress this period: three bullets (completed, in progress, blocked)
- Risks and issues: two structured bullets (risk or issue, current status, next action)
- Next steps: three rows with owner and date
- Bad news framing: one sentence guidance, then an example sentence in quotes
- Tone: honest, professional, concise
- Length: 400-500 words
</output_format>