In a recent Career Ignition post, Susan Wareham McGrath says she was driven to write about the amount of “grammatical errors and misspellings, I come across regularly on executive career portfolios.” She explains that the problem is that if you don’t prepare your career collateral professionally, you will dumb down your executive brand.
This article echo my own thoughts and my efforts in trying to elevate the quality of writing (in all of its forms not just CVs) in the workplace.
In a Harvard Business Review article, Kyle Wiens calls himself a “grammar stickler.” He explains that everyone applying for a position at either of his companies, iFixit or Dozuki, is required to take a grammar test. With the exception of a couple of extenuating circumstances—dyslexia and English-language learners—he has a “‘zero tolerance approach’ to grammar mistakes.”and why With the exception of a couple of extenuating circumstances—dyslexia and English-language learners—he has a “‘zero tolerance approach’ to grammar mistakes.”
I hear the debates that say that looking for grammar perfectionism shuts down creativity and perhaps creates more errors. That the stress on the use of grammar can kill communication rather than help communication better. However, in my opinion, good grammar is essential to clear communication.
Clear communication includes at the very least saying what one means and meaning exactly what was said. And being clear on what we do, what we provide and why we can a make difference are key elements on anything we might be producing for our clients, potential new customers and of course our new employees.
How are your grammar and punctuation skills? What is the quality of writing in your workplace? Do you ascribe to a “zero tolerance approach”? Where do you stand on the difference between perfectionism and excellence?