I had an intern who spent too much time fine-tuning her articles. She invested a lot of personal emotion into her work, and was nervous about my edits. Even when not working on deadline, I got her to realize that edits and improvements will only come after a first draft is submitted. “Accurate and Done” became our mantra.
I still believe in Accurate and Done for folks who struggle with deadlines, but over the years I’ve expanded on the original vision:
Correct. Is the information accurate? Is it consistent with, or does it clarify, your command’s actions? Did you include proper context about the situation? Does it represent your command’s position on the issue? Does it incorporate your forever lines?
Clear. Did you start with why? Are you specific enough? Did you put it in plain English? Did you look at it from your audience’s perspectives, and build in the appropriate background? Is it TLDR? Did you consider adding an infographic, map or website that will enhance the message? Will the audience be driven to action?
Clean. Does it accurately represent our organization’s attention to detail? Does the branding, organization, or presentation reflect your command’s pride in itself? Did you use two words where one would do? Is this going to the audience in a way and at a time where they will see and understand it?
You’ll find a way to apply these to everything you’re working on. Articles. Meetings. PAG. Videos. Tweets. Interviews. Posters. Classes. T-shirts. Events. Statues.
If you don’t have time to make it clean, at least make it clear. If you don’t have time to make it clear, at least make it correct.
The best communicators do all three.
