A few days back I wrote the article 📝 For the Love of God, Write!, but then I realized that the cycle is not complete, I found many of us just get the documents and don’t read or try to comprehend what is written in this, so here I am again For the Love of God, Read!
📝 Please Read the Documents!
In the fast-paced world of project management, one fundamental truth often gets overlooked: the importance of reading. Too frequently, valuable documents and explanations get cast aside, resulting in the same questions being asked repeatedly. This cycle of misunderstanding not only hinders progress but also wastes time and resources.
The Cycle of Thinking, Writing, Reading, and Feedback 🔄
When architects, designers, and business analysts put their thoughts on paper, they create a roadmap for success. However, when the development team bypasses these documents, they miss out on essential information, leading to a frustrating back-and-forth that stalls progress. For the love of God, read! It’s crucial for everyone involved to engage with the documentation provided.
The process of thinking, writing, reading, and providing feedback is vital for any successful project. Each element plays a critical role in ensuring clarity and understanding:
– Thinking: Organizing your thoughts before putting them down on paper.
– Writing: Documenting requirements, decisions, and processes to create a clear reference point.
– Reading: Actively engaging with the material to grasp its implications and context.
– Feedback: Asking questions and providing insights to refine the project further.
Why Reading Matters 📖
Reading the documents isn’t just a task; it’s a necessary step towards comprehension. By investing time in understanding what has been written, team members can connect the dots and see how their contributions fit into the larger picture. In my experience, even when a project isn’t directly related to my role, I make it a point to read the relevant documents. This habit helps me understand the overall direction of the project and the organization’s vision, allowing me to contribute more effectively.
The Cost of Ignoring Documentation ⚠️
When team members choose not to read, they often create more work for themselves and others. Miscommunication arises, tasks are duplicated, and decisions are made based on incomplete information. This not only frustrates the team but can also jeopardize the project’s success.
– Wasted Effort: Explanations that have already been documented get repeated unnecessarily, consuming valuable time.
– Fragmented Understanding: Team members end up operating in silos, lacking the context needed to make informed decisions.
– Increased Risk: Without reading, there’s a higher chance of overlooking critical details that could lead to costly mistakes.
A Lesson from Jeff Bezos 📚
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, recognized the crucial role that reading plays in effective communication and decision-making. At Amazon, he famously instituted a practice called “the narrative structure.” Instead of relying solely on presentations or verbal updates, teams were required to prepare detailed written documents outlining their proposals and insights. During meetings, participants would spend the first 30 minutes reading these documents before discussing them.
This approach ensured that everyone entered the conversation with a shared understanding of the topic, minimizing miscommunication and confusion. By making reading a priority, Bezos cultivated a culture of informed decision-making at Amazon. His insistence on well-thought-out writing encouraged clarity, deep thinking, and collaboration among team members.
My Appeal to You! 🙏
I urge everyone—whether you’re a manager, designer, analyst, or developer—to prioritize reading documentation. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the materials provided. If something isn’t clear, ask questions! Engaging with your colleagues can lead to deeper insights and better project outcomes.
Together, let’s break the cycle of miscommunication and inefficiency. By embracing a culture of reading, writing, and feedback, we can enhance our collaborative efforts and ensure that everyone is aligned toward success.
Let’s foster an environment where documents are valued, discussions are meaningful, and every team member feels empowered to contribute to the project’s vision.
if you’re looking to enhance your writing skills, improve meeting effectiveness, or navigate the complexities of communication, connect with me for personalized 1:1 sessions through Mentoga. Together, we can develop strategies for better writing and more productive meetings.
