You might be curious about the title of this post. I’m a leadership coach with a leadership and ministry blog. Why would I be posting about becoming a better writer? The truth is, you don’t need to have a writing job to be a good writer. I’d go as far as saying every leader should know how to write. It not only helps with day-to-day communication … it can also create new opportunities for your ministry or organization. Frank Kalman, managing editor of Talent Economy, says the following about the benefits of writing:
“Leaders of business or other disciplines likely spend a lot of time studying their craft. For most people, this means they read. They read books. They read magazines. They read newspapers. They read blogs. They read textbooks. They read content as presented to them through an in-person classroom lecture or an online course. Consumption, for most professionals, is the primary vehicle for learning. But how often do we take what we’re consuming and turn it into something we’re creating?”
Easier said than done, though, right? When writing doesn’t come naturally to you, it’s easy to discount its benefits. Maybe you haven’t thought about grammar since your high school English class. Maybe the thought of writing seems overwhelming or too out of your comfort zone. If that’s the case, I have some advice for you! Here are 4 tips to becoming a better writer:1. Read the right resources.
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley is a great place to start. Handley starts her book reassuring us that everybody can write, regardless of their occupation. They just need the right tools! If you’re looking for a straightforward, not overwhelming way to dust your writing chops, I highly recommend it.
2. Work with professional writers.
Whether you have a team of writers, or you know people who make a living off of writing, don’t be afraid to ask for help, guidance, or feedback. Get a look into their process. Ask questions. Learn from the masters.
3. Practice every day.
Practice makes perfect, right? Even if it’s a paragraph a day, it’s important to always keep writing. It doesn’t matter what it is or how long you do it for — just make it a consistent part of your day.
4. Lose the “can’t do” attitude.
In his memoir “On Writing,” Stephen King called out the biggest obstacle for people when they try to put pen to paper. Fear. King says, “I’m convinced that fear is at the root of most bad writing … Good writing is … about letting go of fear and affectation.” So stop thinking you’re a bad writer — you have more in you than you think you do!
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