The Art of Brevity

We all have our superpowers. Mine is arriving at the point concisely. I'll include a few more words in this post for fun LMAO! Let's get it!        

The Subtle Art of Saying Only What's Needed

Yes yes! It is I, the one like Jay! I know you've missed me (you probably haven't) it feels good to be back! Spoiler alert, it has been another good week! A strong return to form, new achievements and some food for thought! I like it here! Oh and London is on tropical weather status right now! ????

Where To Find Me?

Apart from here on LinkedIn, you are welcome to follow and support me on the other platforms I reside at. Some of you already do this naturally and I thank you for your support. This is intended for everyone else who might not have known. Value is the thing I have tried to provide wherever I go. So with that being said, here are the places you can find me and the links will follow. FYI: Available for speaking engagements, podcasts and workshops etc.?

1. YouTube
2. Twitter
3. Twitch
4. Instagram
5. Unsplash
6. Spotify
7. Apple Music
8. Written Mirror
9. The JAM movie
10. Paypal

The Art of Brevity

Back to the topic at hand, the art of brevity. For some brevity is the soul of wit. For others, it is the ability to be precise in wording and phraseology to avoid ambiguity + verboseness. In my case it is a bit of both. I am naturally quiet, until I speak and it tends to resonate. Having been interviewed quite a bit recently, I was reminded of this in terms of the feedback I would receive in terms of the examples being vivid, the perspective being original and descriptive despite me not having said many words.

This is especially powerful when the inevitable, "Tell us about yourself?" type questions pop up. I'm a creative investigator and solver of complex problems! That's it right there! Part puzzle fiend, part rapid decision maker, all possibilities considered, of course, whilst the best outcome is more of a well trained reflex.

Brevity has a definitive role in being a facilitator. Especially, where neutrality is required and psychological safety is paramount. Say what you mean and mean what you say! I know that in the UK there is a tendency to add prefacing and use a lot of auxiliary language which is aimed at softening the landing. In situations where the truth sought after, this only gets in the way of it. We are certainly a nation of 'how you say it' as opposed to 'what was said' and the truest intent of it.

Brevity on LinkedIn

There are definitely places where brevity wins on this platform. In comment sections for instance, your comment doesn't have to be the longest to be seen and impact. On the contrary, those short snappy comments which show you connected with it *chefs kiss*. On your LinkedIn headlines - If we are all doing the same job, we might all have boring headlines that don't serve us. Scrum Master or Agile Coach @ [enter company] vs SM/AC -Creative Problem Solver, Facilitator & Servant Leader. I know which professional I'd choose to interact with!

Even these newsletter posts, they don't work half as well, if, they go meandering along without any real hook/pull. I learnt to make my words count as a storyteller. Screenplays can be unforgiving. You have to fit a certain amount of content into a Teleplay or it automatically feels unfulfilling. A certain amount of laughter in a comedy. Action needs to pack a punch and drama needs an amount of conflict or it falls flat. You cannot waste lines, scenes, character introductions and definitely descriptions need brevity. That or cynical editors/judges will deem it 'too prose-esque' and you quickly go from 'competent professional' to 'rank amateur' in their eyes. The difference between rough copy & a draft!

Solving Problems with Brevity

One of my recent interviews asked me how I solve conflict within teams. I did feel it was a loaded question as it would quite obviously depend on the nature of the conflict, how well you have a read for the characters involved and the time you have to dedicate to a solution. A problem first thing in the morning, and, one an hour before we go off for the weekend need different approaches because duh! LMAO

Say we have the optimum amount of time to get through this properly. You give equal voice to both aggrieved parties. You hear them out! However, ready for this? I'd get them to summarise their issues in 5 sentences or less. Guess what effect that has? It automatically causes them to eliminate minor inconveniences for the most pressing issues. Beyond that, if they can't put it into coherent writing, the problem hasn't been given as much reflection as they might have originally thought. A cerebral calm washes over both sides as they are eager to listen to each other. The resolution is already brewing whether they know it or not...

Now To Solve My Own Problem

I have been on a mission with both Agile & Scrum. This is not a game to me, it is a genuine passion for finding solutions to complex problems, testing my ability to remain neutral and facilitating a change in mindset amongst skilled professionals. No doubt I've paid the iron price; it's time to find my next challenge and really show the world how I do this at a very high level. Scrum Master & Agile Coaching roles wanted! Holla *Hov voice*

Also just to put this out there! I wrote two amazing books which are all about brevity in terms of decision making, self-healing and growth. They are available on my website to purchase signed and inscribed. Do support them as they are literally how I have kept my world from shattering over the years of failures, disappointments and whatever else life chooses to throw at you! Link in the gif because I'm a boss LMAO!

What Can The Book Do For Me?

It is first a matter of perspective. If you need help with negative inner voice, making decisions or being prepared for pushback when you're on your way, then the chances are this is the perfect guide to unlock your highest levels of self-organisation. The Thought Book Series helps you fortify your mind, goals and resistance to the manipulation of others. The books also make great gifts for friends/family/colleagues who may be struggling with similar obstacles.

My Questions For You

How easily can you sum up what you do? How interesting can you make the summary of what you do? How important a role does brevity play in your life? Do you care about things being explained as economically as possible? Do you assume a lack of extra words is impolite? I just wanna know...

See You next Week!

Hopefully there is yet more good news and vibes to share! I feel like I'm on a roll and it's time to go fishing so I can land a marlin! May you all catch what you need to in the week ahead! Sending you some of this energy I harnessed from The Ten Rings of Scrum Mastery?? LMAO! See you around! Oh and kindly follow the Written Mirror page! ????