Writing.
For some, it is a wonderful outlet for creative
expression. For others, it is an evil that is to be avoided as much as
possible. For leaders, it is an essential tool that must be utilized, no matter
their skill level.
I’ll be honest; I have a little bit of an advantage when
it comes to writing. It comes naturally to me. When I sit down to write, I
mostly just let the words flow from my mind to the page. It does come more
easily to some than to others, and this is something the leader must overcome.
As
a worship leader, I have learned that half of my communication needs to be
written long before we are onstage.
Emails let my team know what we will be rehearsing, what
type of set we will be playing, what keys our songs will be in, and other
things essential to their practice time and preparedness when arriving at the
set. Texts communicate if anyone will be late, remind people of schedule
abnormalities, and keep the whole team in contact with their point of
reference: me.
Emails require me to communicate clearly and efficiently.
Texting, while less formal, requires clear communication in a more precise
manner. Written memos are an important way to let companies know the what and
why behind the workings of a company’s day-to-day. Modern culture has made
writing impossible for an effective leader to avoid.
Maybe
you need to work on your writing skills, or maybe you don’t.
If there is no way for you to improve, congratulations! You
are now my goal for having my stuff together. But for my friends who need some
help, here are a few tips for writing clearly and effectively:
1. Say it out loud.
If you have a hard time thinking
of how to phrase something, say a few options out loud and pick which one
sounds best. You can also record yourself saying what you want to write and
transcribe it with whatever edits need to be made.
2. Use a
thesaurus.
The thesaurus is your friend! Don’t
use three adjectives or adverbs when one precise word will do.
3. Have several colleagues proofread and give feedback.
This is especially important for
leaders. Have someone who is good with grammar proofread for mistakes. Have one
or two people who don’t already know about your topic read for clarity – is everything
well-presented and easily understandable? Having others read your writing will
ensure that what you want to say is being clearly communicated.
4. Take a class.
If writing is particularly challenging,
take a class. There’s nothing shameful about getting help to grow in an area
where you struggle! Take an example from the movie The King’s Speech. If you need to be able to write, find someone
who can teach you!
As you step into leadership, remember the power you hold
through the written word. Make use of writing as a tool, and don’t let a fear
of writing prevent you from being the best leader you can be.
