Does it need to be written at all?
In Simon Hertnon's book, Clear Concise Compelling, he says that too many people believe 'a document's value lies in its existence rather than its effect'.
An example of this that sticks in my mind was a talk I had years ago with a general manager.
How our chat went
Her: Can I talk to you about this piece of writing?
[She shows me a very long document with a confusing title]
Me: Sure. What's the goal of the piece?
Her: I want to start a conversation about matching up more overseas qualifications with New Zealand ones.
Me: So what's the goal of the conversation then?
Her: Huh?
Me: What will happen if this conversation starts?
Her: We'll have the conversation.
Me: And then what?
Her: [confused silence]
Me, trying a different angle: Who do you want to be part of this conversation?
Her: People who work here, people in other agencies, educators, overseas students and institutions.
Me: And you think a document will help those people have a conversation?
Her: [Pause...] Look, I just have to write it.
Me: Have you considered a conference, or a survey, or a series of interviews instead?
Her: No, no, I just need to refine this document.
My guess is she had got attached to her draft
Fair enough. It was a massive draft and must have taken days, if not weeks, to put together.
But it's a major red flag if a person who already has a first draft can't tell you:
the goal of the document, or
how a document will help to achieve that goal.
Before you start your next project, ask 'Is a document the best way to achieve the effect I want?'
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