This week, one of my main tasks was to write a long-form piece.
I prepped, researched, outlined, and chose my angle.
After writing the piece, I sent it in, and “shit” it wasn’t the right angle.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- I have a tendency to not ask enough clarifying questions in the heat of a moment.
When it comes to my tasks, I need to make sure I’m completely on the same page as everyone else on my team. Over-communication is better than under-communication, and that was the perfect instance to prove it to me.
As soon as I think that I have it, I take it and run. I need to make sure I’m on the right track, especially when it comes to new things.
- Send Drafts
I originally didn’t want to send a draft because I wanted the process to be as hands-off for everyone else involved as possible. Instead of making it one more thing they had to think about, I wanted to present them a final product with a little bow on it.
Nope.
Not what happened.
Now I realize that sending drafts would have been like “learning out loud.” Instead of acting like I was 100% all on my own, I should have asked for some eyes on the piece earlier than I did.
- Write Less
I’ve been told I need to work on being concise.
I’ll work on it.
- Finish Everything As Early As Possible
This coming week is busy, and recognizing that, someone on the team prioritized getting ahead on next week’s tasks. The goal was to have my piece done by tonight, and continue with everything else as planned.
Because of my flub, we would have been scrambling if not for the proactivity.
Proactivity gives room for adaptation.