Truth 6. Cut to the chase: Put the bottom line on top

Suppose you’re reporting on the results of an extended project you supervised, whose purpose was to investigate a potential new workflow system. Your basic goal is to inform and document. But that’s only part of the agenda. As in many situations, you want to accomplish much more. For example:

Goals checklist

• Tell your boss that the project was a good investment and that his/her faith in your ability as a manager was justified.

• Let readers know that the results are significant.

• Demonstrate that you’ve done a careful, thorough job on the project.

• Make your interpretation or conclusions credible.

• Present your work in the way that’s clearest, most logical, and, if possible, interesting. ...

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