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When Businesses Take Efficiency Seriously

Today I attended a fundraising luncheon for a fine organization called Wellspring Family Services. As always happens when I contribute, something came back to me–this time in the form of a quick but powerful example a man shared at my table. Now I will share it with you.

At one of the man's previous jobs, when people sent out a meeting invitation through Outlook, if the invitation did not have an agenda and meeting goals attached, people would decline it. He said individuals learned the lesson quickly when they got back one "Declined" message after another. They learned to create and attach an agenda with goals.

That company takes efficiency seriously. Does yours? Please share any examples that relate to business writing.

Lynn
Syntax Training

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By Lynn Gaertner-Johnston

Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact.

A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors.

A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal," "The Atlantic," "Vanity Fair," and other media.

Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master's degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor's degree in English.

2 comments on “When Businesses Take Efficiency Seriously”

  • I appreciated that his entire company had signed on to supporting the move toward efficiency. Your last sentence had me thinking, and yes, there are key individuals at my office who do take efficiency seriously. Unfortunately, it’s the 20% that don’t take it seriously that would be the most beneficial to bring over to our side! 🙂

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