Boost your writing skills to become a credible project leader!

A good project leader not only speaks, but also writes, as you learnt when studying for professional certifications like the PMP, ECBA, and Agile certification. There's the printed word before and after that encouraging speech. Consistent writing, according to John Hall, co-founder and president of Calendar, a calendar and time management programme, will benefit a project leader by:

1. Improving your sense of self

Great project managers are self-aware. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn more about yourself. Writing aids in the discovery of your true self. A careful examination of the thoughts that flow out of you as you fill the page can be enlightening.

1. Making you more organized

According to Steve Harvey, a media magnate, motivational speaker, and comedian, you must put down your vision and make it clear. Writing brings your desired future to life. Consider writing down your goals every night before you go to bed. Make a clear plan for what you want to accomplish. You're more prepared for the next day now. You'll awaken with your vision and be ready to put it into action.

1. Enhancing your communication skills

Storytelling is a technique used by project managers to motivate their workforce. You'll need to get support for your ideas. Writing allows you to precisely sketch out the most effective strategy to communicate your message. Writing and then reading your words aloud to yourself in advance informs you about your narrative' strengths and shortcomings. Your messages will be clearer and more effective.

1. Helping you become more disciplined

The more you write, the better you get, as you realised while studying for professional credentials like the PMP, ECBA, and Agile certification. You will become more disciplined if you commit to writing every day. You might want to write for a certain number of words or for a certain length of time. In any case, you're forming a positive habit. And it's not uncommon for one excellent behaviour to lead to another. Great, you've bought into the idea of writing and the benefits it may provide as a project manager. Now you're wondering what to do and where to begin.

1. Turn your thoughts into content

You'd like to write, but you're stumped as to what to write about. You don't have to worry about writing for a specific occasion all of the time. What's on your mind right now? Your ideas make for excellent material. Make a list of your opinions on a new work-from-home policy. Are you worried about a lack of succession planning? Make a list of them.

1. Practice precision and accuracy in your writing

Take a moment to consider your tone. Are you enthusiastic about your subject? Are you worried? Puzzled? Write in a manner that accurately reflects your emotions. Also, make sure to double-check your spelling and grammar. If you're not just expressing your own opinions on a subject, make sure you do some research and reference your sources.

1. Clearly express your thoughts

People need to understand you if you want to motivate your team and rally them around your ideas. The key to good expression is simplicity. The storey should be as short as possible. It is preferable to use simpler language. Use long, difficult-to-pronounce words only when absolutely necessary. Improve your writing clarity. This will come in handy when you're pitching ideas, writing emails, or giving presentations. This will also assist you in eliminating or at the very least reducing misconceptions.

1. Work on your openness

Be receptive. Your candour will leave an impression on others. Don't act as though you hold a perspective that isn't representative of your genuine convictions. Writing is a really effective instrument. Take the time to learn how to use this tool effectively. It will assist you in becoming a more effective and sought-after project manager.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a PMP, Agile, CBAP Certification etc., training program today!

Richard Pierce An expert in Pmi and Iiba Certifications.