How do you structure status update meetings / emails?

With so much detail and so many moving parts, it can be hard to get the balance right between high level strategies / direction with low level tactics / details.

I find it depends a lot on the audience, but one thing I've found works at all levels is a consistent pattern. By using the same questions/metrics/structure everyone knows what to expect which lets them focus on the change, not the structure.

An example of this is the 5:15 report (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/management/cut-down-on-reports-with-the-5-15-method/article4106997/). The idea of this report is to create a status update which takes no more than 15 minutes to write, and no more than 5 minutes to read/understand. Repeatable format, easy to use.

I use 5:15 reports with my directs and manager as a way to get on the same page before a 1:1, so we can spend more time talking about things that need to be discussed.

I customized the 5:15 template, to work for me/my team. This the 1:1 template i use:

1. What personal accomplishments were made in the last week?
2. What are your personal priorities for the next week?
3. What blockers do you have, were overcome, do you see coming?
4. What would you like advice/guidance/help/more time to think about?
5. How are you feeling about work in general? Where is your head at?
6. What interesting/funny/clever thing caught your eye recently (can be non-work related)?

I really like the last 2 questions, as they can give a great jumping off point for the 1:1 and insight into how things are going.

I've also tried to use this format for group/team updates, but with less success.

Very interested to learn about other patterns or templates, especially for group / department or company wide levels. Please drop me a note on the usual channels if you have found things that work.