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The Importance of Writing From A Busiess Perspective by Lauren Weisberg Kaufman
The Importance of Writing From A Busiess Perspective by Lauren Weisberg Kaufman
I have found in the years since I left college that the type of writing used in the workplace
differs significantly from writing expected and rewarded in academia. As a student, I
wrote long essays full of ideas that had to be supported by research, with ample footnotes
and strong documentation. In business, simple, direct writing is valued, as a primary role
is to communicate to ones superiors in as concise a manner as possible. Communicating
to customers and co-workers is critically important, but often it is necessary to convey the
essential information in as few words as possible, rather than through elaboration. This,
of course, depends upon the career field and type of job one does, but I would suggest
that the typical liberal arts graduate will most likely have to change writing styles, once
out of school.
KISS or keep it simple stupid is an essential survival skill in business but not the type
of writing that is valued in most institutions of higher education. This could be a problem
for most newly minted graduates, but I believe that the inherent conflict can be addressed,
if both high school and college English faculty remind students that a clear writing style
is valued, proof-reading is essential and grammar still counts. Telling students to
remember the writing style and length they used in applying to college would be a helpful
tip upon graduation, when ones workday consists of writing memos rather than essays.
Poor grammar, spelling mistakes and incoherent, poorly worded memos, letters or articles
will definitely be noticed in job interviews and on the job, hindering ones opportunities
for advancement or even continued employment.
I am clearly not alone in my concern that writing skills are not at the level they need to
be. As we move increasingly towards a knowledge-based economy which values
brainpower over brawn, strong writing skills are more critical than ever to future success.
According to Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board, which founded the
Commission, writing is a fundamental professional skill. Most of the new jobs in the
years ahead will emphasize writing. If students want professional work in service firms,
in banking, finance, insurance and real estate, they must know how to communicate on
paper clearly and concisely. The Commission survey also found that advanced
technology in the workplace plays a significant role. Joseph M. Tucci, president and
CEO of EMC Corporation and chair of the Business Roundtables Education and
Workforce Task Force stated that the need to write clearly and quickly has never been
more important than in todays highly competitive, technology-driven global economy.
It is not the case that people employed in office settings are the only ones who need
strong writing skills. A number of survey respondents noted that all employees must have
writing skills. Manufacturing documentation, technical manuals and operating
instructions, hazardous waste materials, lab safety, reporting problems all have to be
crystal clear, written in language that a variety of individuals can understand.
The situation reflected in this national report, mirrors what we see in Connecticut. In my
21 years here at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, our members, in
survey after survey, in company visits and phone calls have most frequently complained
about math skills and writing skills. I continue to say to them, however, dont just sit
back and complain, get involved, speak up and tell your local schools and colleges what
you need, where you see strengths and weaknesses and what your expectations are for
their graduates. This communication is critical and must be on going, as business
conditions and needs change rapidly in this global economy. Some things do endure,
however, and that is the need for strong, articulate writers, who communicate effectively.