Writing things down isn’t just a formality—it’s how we keep things moving. Whether it’s a status update, project handoff, or a simple message, how we write affects how others work. When done right, it sets expectations, provides clarity, and helps people act. But when details are left out, well… it can lead to moments quite similar to this:
Awkward? Sure. But in real life, poor communication is a serious and costly matter.
Missing details? People waste valuable time trying to piece things together.
Unclear updates? Others are left guessing what’s really going on.
Incomplete notes? Those who depend on you struggle to move forward.
Clear writing saves time, avoids misunderstandings, and keeps everyone aligned. A short message is fine—as long as it’s clear.
Why does it matter?
👉 Someone else may need to pick up where you left off. It’s their reference on when to step in, remove roadblocks, or course-correct us while we’re still on track.
👉 Teammates use them to know what to work on next, without guessing or duplicating efforts.
👉 Anyone needing to pass on information depends on accurate updates to do it right.
A vague update helps no one. Saying “Working on it” tells us nothing. What exactly was reviewed? What were the findings and next steps?
“Still fixing the issue” raises more questions. What’s the issue? What has been fixed? What’s causing delays?
We must do better at documenting our progress. Status updates aren’t problem-solving; there’s no excuse for us not to be clear and detailed. Anyone reading should instantly understand where things stand and what needs to happen next.
Before submitting, let’s make it a habit to ask ourselves:
- If someone else had to continue from here, would this update give them what they need?
- If someone needed to make a decision based on this, would they have enough information?
- If someone had to explain this to others, could they do it clearly from your update?
Set proper expectations. Document like it matters—because it does. A well-written update shows what’s been done, avoids unnecessary back-and-forth, and ensures we all move forward without missing a beat.
Let’s commit to updates that keep things flowing—not just to avoid problems, but to build clarity, efficiency, and trust.
