LEADERSHIP LAB: Writing Beyond the Academy 1.23.15

UChicago Social Sciences

Why leaders watch it

Teaches that writing is judged by what readers value, a standard that improves memos, proposals and executive communication.

Larry McEnerney of the University of Chicago Writing Program argues that good writing is defined by what readers value, not by rules or the writer's own ideas. He explains why academic habits fail outside academia and how to write so readers find the work valuable.

Takeaways

• Readers decide if your writing has value
• Use shared vocabulary to signal community
• Lead with what changes the reader's thinking

Topics: Writing & storytelling, Persuasion & negotiation

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