Navigating the Challenges of “Writing by Committee”
In the world of corporate communications, collaboration often takes the form of “writing by committee,” where multiple stakeholders contribute to a piece before it reaches its final form. Unfortunately, this process can lead to significant challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the integrity and quality of the original content.
In my own experience, several of my writing projects require input from the entire C-suite, not just the marketing team. Recently, I have encountered a particularly difficult situation with one executive who frequently alters my drafts. While their intent may be to enhance the content, the result is often a piece that not only strays from the original message but also contains factual inaccuracies and unclear phrasing. This individual does not have a marketing background and lacks writing experience, which compounds the issue.
Here are the main challenges I face:
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Quality of Output: The writing I present is crafted with care and expertise, aimed at achieving a high standard that ultimately benefits our organization. Unfortunately, the final product often does not reflect that quality, as revisions seem to disrupt the clarity and coherence of the message.
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Feedback Deficiency: The person making the edits rarely provides constructive feedback, which leaves me unsure of their intentions. Instead of dialogue, I receive a revised document with little guidance on how to improve my work or align it with their expectations.
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Scope of Input: This individual operates outside their professional expertise. Their role does not encompass marketing, and their approach to editing can lead to changes that dilute the strategic intent behind the writing.
Given that both my immediate supervisor and another executive have addressed these concerns with this individual, I am at a loss for how to improve the situation. The frustration is mounting, and I yearn for a way forward that ensures our collective output is both accurate and engaging.
If you’re facing a similar plight, here are a few strategies to consider:
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Establish Clear Guidelines: Propose the development of concise guidelines that delineate who is responsible for input on specific projects. This clarity can help ensure that only those with relevant experience provide feedback.
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Request Structured Feedback: Encourage the practice of structured feedback by asking collaborators to outline their revisions in the form of comments or suggestions rather than making direct edits. This will foster a discussion that can clarify intentions.
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Engage in Dialogue: If possible, seek to have open conversations with the individual about your writing process. By emphasizing the importance of
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