When To Reject Awful Edits
Heavy-handed edits on our written word can bring sighs and dread within. “So much work, ruined!” becomes a popular response and then, “Ack. Where do I begin?” In some cases, the edits might feel valid. Perhaps you did indeed bury the bottom line, remained verbose in parts, or the idea (though clear in your mind) stayed ambiguous in words. In other cases, the edits make no sense, contradict, or don’t elevate the writing at all. In this week’s essay, I’m sharing cross-check questions on when to reject efforts to “improve” your writings (in slides or emails/reports) and with reduced risk of offending, too.
Will my manager notice if I don’t comply?
I ask this question lightly as in many cases over-enthusiastic editors of our words do so to micro-manage or to gain control. If you suspect your manager does indeed micro-manage then take stock and wonder how much they’ll notice if you don’t do as they suggest. Also, notice the phrasing in the prompts which come with the edits. If you read, “Some suggestions on how to improve the flow,” or something similar, then consider the edits just that, suggestions, and something you can ignore.
Does the edit improve the clarity and flow?
When reviewing the copious edits, ask yourself: How much does this editor improve the writing? Check with someone else you trust; but often times, the answer’s no. As a cross check, see if the suggested edits:
- Pacify something contentious or make safe something risky
- Trim back word count
- Clarify key ideas
- Remove jargon and replace with layperson language
- Contain some valid reason
If not, you’ve good grounds to absorb one-or-two and ignore the rest, because staying clear and compelling helps you best connect with your audience.
Do the edits show stylistic preference?
My clients often bemoan a manager who combs through their slides or written message and rewrites purely to change the voice and tone. A few tell-tale signs emerge when the edits:
- Re-write the entire message
- Sound nothing like you
- Use ideas you did not introduce at all
- Show an agenda, one serving the editor vs. you and the larger team
Do the revisions erode my confidence?
This last question becomes quite pivotal as you decide to accept, reject, or find a hybrid of accepting some but not all (the three main options available to you, in my view). As you read what your manager/director/higher up suggests, you may:
- Pay attention to how the edits feel in your body. What do you notice?
- Notice what emotions come up for you. (Relief that the edits take your message to exciting new levels or dread that it destroys any beauty and validity within? Fear that if you don’t accept, you’ll topple?)
- Envision yourself sharing this message and if it’s slide edits we’re wrangling here, wonder tactically: Can I successfully share this message in ways where my audience gets it and fulfill our goal? (If no; then, you have your answer. To succeed in business communications, we must stay audience centered and that starts with connecting with others and feeling confident.)
There lie a handful of cross-check questions to help determine whether to reject or accept edits from someone above you in the chain. How to articulate your choice to ignore the edits depends on your relationship with your boss/manager/leader. If you feel trust and don’t risk offending, tell the truth; but make it audience centered.
For instance, if you find the edits don’t sound like you at all, remind your editor you must sound authentic and relaxed to win that deal. If the edits add words and then time, remind your boss gently that the edits sound great; but added 2-minutes extra. In the spirit of brevity, you’re not taking all prompts on board.
I can see the delicacy in pushing back on someone above you in the chain changing your words — and not for the better. Hopefully speaking to the problem and offering a handful of cross-checks can ease some concerns, empower, and let your inner Sage prevail.
Debbi Gardiner McCullough coaches and trains immigrant leaders to become more confident, concise, and mentally fit communicators. From Wisconsin, she owns and runs Hanging Rock Coaching and coaches worldwide with BetterUp.