Is perception reality? Well, not literally, but perception does play a big role in your reality as a professional. That’s why it’s not unusual to hear someone say, “Perception is reality.”

The first cluster in our Five Soft Skills Clusters framework is Communication: The ability to send and receive clear messages. Your business writing, such as emails, memos, reports, proposals, and cover letters, are part of the communication cluster of skills that shape perception about who you are as a professional.

A lot of times your business writing is the first way or primary way you communicate with people. Sometimes it’s the only thing they see. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the importance of business writing skills.

Poor writing skills can cost people to overlook your other skills.

I see this all the time. Poorly written resumes, cover letters, introductory emails as well as proposals with egregious errors that instantly get tossed aside. Unexplored skills, talent, and opportunities are left in the wake.

Poorly written communication is costly to employers and employees.

In the Harvard Business School Publishing Guide To Better Business Writing, I read that businesses are spending over $3 billion annually to correct poor writing. According to another article, “Poor Writing Costs Taxpayers Millions,” state governments spend $250 million a year on remedial writing instruction for employees.

Confusing memos, flawed reports, and terrible PowerPoint presentations are a waste of time and money. These things could keep you from getting a promotion or get you fired. Not cool.

Strong written communication skills can give you a competitive advantage.

During soft skills training sessions, I ask people to give me some examples of the competitive advantages of strong written communication skills. Here’s an outstanding response someone gave:

It’s a highly transferable skill.

True!

When I became a soft skills trainer and entrepreneur, I was surprised at how much I was helped out by my experience as an executive chef in charge of writing menus, reports, job listings, and catering proposals.

Here are few more competitive advantages:

• Increases credibility.
• Showcases intelligence and an attention to detail.
• Separates that best from the rest.
• Helps you build a strong online presence.

Effective communication, oral and written, is a valuable commodity. Research shows that written communication consistently ranks among the skills most desired by employers, colleges, and graduate schools.

With effective writing skills, you can produce:

• Accurate reports that are clear and easy to understand.
• Persuasive sales copy, white papers, and .
• Concise emails and memos that motivate readers to take action with little need for clarification.

Alright. That’s enough of that. You get the point. Go work on your writing skills and let the world know you have them.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. If you had to create a list of the top 5 skills for an employee to have, would writing make the list? If yes, where would it rank and why? If not, why wouldn’t it be important to you as an employer?
2. Other than the reasons listed in the article you just read, what are 3 reasons writing is important for your success?
3. In your opinion, why do so many people lack effective written business communication skills? How would you go about solving this problem? How would your solution help you right now?