Act as a Journalist
In principles
Acting as a journalist does not mean mere record-keeping; it is about nurturing an ecosystem where information is not just stored but is actively shared, understood, and built upon.
Achieving such an ideal state demands more than just a commitment: it demands a company’s culture that values and excels in clear writing.
The quality of documentation in terms of clarity, accessibility, and engagement plays a significant role in determining its utility and longevity.
Leadership needs to lead by example
The influence of leaders, ranging from founders to frontline managers, in prioritizing and practicing high-quality writing, is an essential element to drive the change.
Such a stance inspires all members of the organization to refine their writing skills and enhance their communicative clarity.
Leaders are tasked with not only guiding the organization's strategic direction but also shaping the quality of its collective knowledge repository.
“This leadership commitment to documentation sends a clear message about the organization’s values”
Documentation shall happen at any level
At each level of the organization ladder, specific expectations related to documentation should be set.
For entry-levels, the focus might be on contributing to project documentation under supervision. As they move through the ladder, their involvement and responsibility in documentation deepen, eventually leading to defining documentation standards at senior levels.
This structured approach ensures that documentation becomes an integral part of an individual's career development, embedding it deeply within the organization's culture.
Star of the week
To maintain and stimulate interest in documentation, an idea is to name "Document Star of the Week" (or of the Month).
This tradition serves to spotlight documentation’s importance, relevance, and criticality throughout the organization, recognizing the efforts of individuals and setting benchmarks for quality.
Do not forget to… DELETE
An essential piece of advice for managing a growing repository of knowledge is empowering members to delete outdated or irrelevant documents.
This proactive approach to information management ensures the documentation remains relevant, streamlined, and accessible.
Think of it as gardening, where regular pruning is necessary to prevent the garden from becoming overgrown and chaotic.
In conclusion
Adopting a journalistic approach within organizations transforms documentation from a mere task into a cultural cornerstone.
By prioritizing high-quality writing and encouraging clear communication, leaders can foster an environment where information is not only preserved but actively utilized and refined.
