The best guide that I have found is to actually prepare an implementation letter for the executive's signature. While this reaction from the executive is not likely, the exercise will help you to produce a clear statement of what you intend to propose. Also, if you are several management levels removed from the executive, you should describe the letter as a proposed draft instruction that you have not yet reviewed with your immediate management. Better yet, show the draft letter to your manager first and get his or her suggestions for improving it. In preparing for the presentation, remember that there is no magic formula for convincing senior managers.
Every case is different.
The approach must vary depending on the situation and the executive's current priorities. If, for example, the executive has just cut resources to meet a profit goal or the organization has just lost a major contract, this might not be a good time to propose an additional expense. So, plan your improvement strategy with a clear appreciation of what is happening right now in the business. Identify the Hot Buttons Next, find out what this executive is most concerned about. Since most executives give lots of talks and issue many statements and announcements, this is generally fairly easy to do.