5 antidotes to sham management for writers

It is not as easy as it seems to write and also manage writing processes.

Gurus have made it seem simple, straightforward. They do this for SEO and clout, because “easy” draws attention, and perhaps it is easy for them NOW. They have spent years honing skills, plus their actual years of experience are visible on their face, lending themselves to appearing wiser. They’ve made it easy for themselves to persuade, today.

However, easy is not desirable, nor is it impactful. Moreover, there is much more to managing a writing process than administration. What does a corporate writer need to do in their day-to-day?

• Get executives on board with their ideas.
• Pitch creative ideas with a structure that appeals to decision-makers.
• Present outcomes that are crucial to other business areas. …to name only a few executive-level and strategy-based tasks of a corporate writer!

We can’t profess to have made it simple. It takes time to absorb all the antidotes to the poisonous sham leadership and management tips we’re fed via social media. We have found a starting point, however. It involves learning from your peers and seniors.

Let’s listen to real professionals who forged their way in corporate positions with blood, sweat, and ink!

How writing professionals can leverage processes to thrive in corporate culture

1. How do you suggest creatives persuade decision-makers who don’t have a creative bone in their bodies?

Strategic Communications Lead, Ruth Lee, says to start by researching your audience, be they internal clients or external, you still need to persuade them like buyer personas. She tells us to identify:

• What’s always top-of-mind for them?
• What are they obsessed about?

Perhaps you could even ask them directly! “That’s how you get their attention. Craft your narrative around it.”

2. When pitching an idea to superiors, how is best to get started?

We asked someone with the hardest job in corporate, training experienced people to be even better: Two things are critical, says Adam Spacht, founder of No Boring Training. “Start with a clear problem that affects the organization packed with a well-thought-out and clear plan to solve it.

Keep it simple and direct. Have the details ready for when the questions come but the proposal should be bumper sticker-level clear.”

3. What do you find works to truly engage decision-makers in our writing mission?

Professional storyteller, Susannah Dawn, of course, told us “it’s all in the story and how it’s told to the decision-makers.

While making the pitch, be sure to bridge them into the story… Transport them to a place where they can feel connected to the ideas. This includes any outcomes so they can be immersed in the idea. They need to see AND feel the anticipated outcomes.”

4. What would you tell your younger self about getting executives on board with your ideas?

Esteemed conversion copywriter, Darina Ivanova wrote herself this note: Dear Darina, Treat them as a customer. Look for what they want and give it to them. Try to look for the win-win-win situation. “I’ve noticed that when I put the customer first and rationalize the decisions passionately, it works. Get clear on the goal and how the solution can benefit both their agenda and their bottom line.” 5. When presenting outcomes, what works with senior leadership? Admired content creator, Nathan Hill told us, simply, to explain the plan, and leave room for feedback and for others to share in the process. “Good ideas have the strength to stand on their own. However, you can kick the legs out from under them if you aren’t willing to share the process of bringing them to life.”

All these professionals have forged their way through patience and sound strategy, feel free to reach out to them for consulting and follow them all on LinkedIn for their sage advice.

What writing processes should writers implement?

In summary, from our featured creators:

• Involve decision-makers in process development so they trust your process.
• Identify internal clients’ obsession, the same way you would for an external client. Then write to it.
• When presenting new ideas, be prepared to be peppered with questions from management.
• Nonetheless, make your proposal concise and clear.
• Craft a narrative that is relatable to get decision-makers to connect with your ideas.

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