“I love the image of being a writer, the image of being offbeat, unconventional, a bit drunk, and a free and disheveled spirit…. Writing is the way I and so many other writers make sense of ourselves and the world around us.” – Pete Geissler
The Power of Writing Well. The Thoughtful Leader’s Model for Business and Technical Communications. Peter Geissler.
Growing up in a family of seven, my parents cared about our education. For them and for us, learning mattered. It still matters today.
During the grade school and high school years, we had to show our report cards to Mom and Dad. My mother cared about one side of the report card, the grades, while my Dad cared about the other side, the conduct or behavior. Both sides counted toward our education, meaning what you do and who you are go hand-in-hand. For my parents, you can only be your best when you give your best through your intention (behavior) and when do your best by your actions (outcome).
Intention and Action
Intention and action, two words to describe the underlying tone of Geissler’s book, The Power of Writing Well. The book is a quick read, and the kernels of wisdom are succinct, like personal coaching in metered dosage, waiting for you to take action before giving the next advice.
One of the key messages I heard from Geissler is that writing is the most critical asset of your career. At first, that statement sounds a little intimidating. Writing is a critical asset. What if you struggle in being a writer?
He goes on to say that composition is a learned skill, and everyone can improve in this area of communication. In some way, we all write via email, texts, letters, cards, and notes to name a few. Think of writing as a skill that is a work-in-progress over a lifetime.
Writing also matters in our career. How does being a writer help you in your work?
Key Takeaways
- Your composition must be done clearly, concisely, and on point
- Be purposeful
- The purpose of writing is to influence
- To have impact on your listeners
- Know your receiver as much as possible
- What are you trying to say to those who receive your message?
- Tone of your message is essential
- Key is empathy
- Writing can be learned
- You can learn to write well to be a better communicator
How do you make sense of yourself and the world around you?
In what ways does writing help your career? Are there opportunities for growth?
I welcome your comments.
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