Start the Process

A new project can be intimidating or energizing. One of my frequent comments in business settings is "It's easier to be an editor than an author".  An open-ended written query, "What do you think", doesn't always solicit the quality and quantity of responses we'd hope to receive.  Colleagues who will readily offer suggestions in a meeting or brainstorming session become silent when asked to put their ideas in writing.  Often, offering a written position and asking for feedback increases the quality and quantity of our responses, because we've eliminated writer's block and allowed our colleagues to become editors rather than authors.

Editor or Author

We all have our ideas about the best way to communicate certain messages.  When we are fully in control of the platform, we have the choice to script our own remarks and/or ask for input from trusted associates.  When we are the associate asked for input, we need to determine whether we are invited to be an editor, or if innovative ideas will be accepted. 

We can add value with either role.  But once we know if we are an editor or author, we know how much time, effort and creativity to invest.

Amazing Gift!

Yesterday, when I arrived home after a busy day, I had a most special gift waiting.  My precious daughter had prepared a printed, bound book of my first year of blogging articles.  I felt like a real author!