Professional Writing

            I’m sure that most, if not all, of you who are reading this article are wondering why I am starting this introductory segment to leadership on writing. There are so many misconceptions about leadership particularly when you make your transition from the field to the office. How many times do read “motivational” phrases, terms, analogies about how to be a great leader? It’s prevalent but provides little to no value. There are no tools, job aids, training that can be learned from a catch phrase or meme.

            Writing, expressing yourself, communicating is a fundamental skill that we as a society have dumbed down, made easy through a lack of discipline and training. Texting, using emojis, shortcutting words through the use of abbreviations and contractions are not acceptable in the business world nor should it be, in the T&D industry when writing to communicate safety, procedures, clearances, performance evaluations, training modules etc. the message must be easily understood. Now there are some industry accepted abbreviations that utilities utilize in certain situations such as switching orders, where the need to write down multiple moves during energization and de-energizations steps are necessary. However, those abbreviations come with training and education and varies slightly from utility to utility.

            When you enter the supervision world, there are numerous areas you will be required to write; emails, business letters, reviewing and revising contracts, accident investigations, safety and work procedures, performance evaluations, etc. NEVER use profanity! It is unnecessary and you will immediately send the reader the wrong message. It is okay to be passionate and forceful in your writing, learn to communicate your message professionally. Think about the implications of your message and who your audience is. I have been to many conferences where the speaker, in attempt, to relate to their audience will use “salty” language to establish a connection with them. For example: a supervisor/former lineman, believes it would be cool to speak to his audience as if he were out in the field. However, your audience could have managers, directors, human resources, the newspaper, you name it. Be professional when you communicate.

            Use the correct grammar, spelling, syntax and punctuation. For example: “Lets eat, grandma.” As opposed to “Lets eat grandma.” A comma makes a big difference in the message. Imagine you’re sending out an invoice and the total is $4567; you write that as $4,567; however instead of a comma you use a period $4.567. Same numbers totally different result. Print, your handwritten notes, sign in cursive.

Summary

Writing is not the “glamorous” part of leadership it doesn’t evoke cool catch phrases and memes, but it is necessary in order to process work, close out jobs, provide details on maps, and if you want to move up vertically in the organization your ability to write effectively will enhance your chances.

T&D World Leadership – Ask Max – Professional Writing