Power of Reverse writing

"You got to be kidding”

was my quick response after reading the text message from my manager.

Message :

“Just checking if everything is going fine for the Team building activity planned for next month. I had a few suggestions in mind and appreciate, if you could share me updates. Let me know if you need any help

Problem was it had been a super busy month and I have not done it yet. I still have a couple of weeks to get it ready but my manager wanted to know where I stood and wanted to share some suggestions as help.

?This triggered me!!!!

"Why is he checking on me for this now? And why does he have added suggestions--I thought he had delegated this to me. Can't he just let me handle it?"

I know this message should not have triggered me as it was a just simple request. But I wished I had more time and help as I have got worked up.

I started drafting my response:

?"Sorry for the delayed reply. I have a lot going on and have been feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have not had time to do much planning with the team-building activity because I've been so involved in this project XYZ..."

?I hit "Send" only to regret my words later.

?How many of you can relate to events like this happening in our daily life ??

?So here is the solution for many of such cases.

"Reversed Writing"

?Instead of starting with your point, consider the recipient's perspective first.

?To write in reverse is simple:

You must reverse the roles of the writer (you) with the recipient (your audience/ receiver).

In an age where we prefer to write through emails and text messaging, writing in reverse is extremely helpful and it keeps you from :-

=>writing purely from an emotional perspective

=>writing too much

=>writing what is not helpful to the recipient

Writing in reverse is emotionally intelligent because it helps you develop your empathy muscle. In addition, it keeps you from letting emotions dictate your message as it was the in the case of my situation.?

So, the next time you receive a message and are tempted to respond emotionally, write in reverse—by doing the following:

?1. Write a draft message.

Your first draft is likely to be based primarily on emotion. But giving yourself the opportunity to write it will help you to "Vent."

Then, give yourself some time and how much time depends on the actual situation. Try to wait at least a couple of hours. (24 hours is even better if possible.)

If you think the other person will become anxious, write them a short message saying something like "Thanks for this message—update coming! Will get back to you in [X]."

?2. Revise.

As you revise your message, remember to try and see things from the recipient's point of view.

Ask yourself :-

*Is there anything unnecessary I can remove from this message?

*Is the message confusing? Will it raise more questions than it will answer?

*Is there anything that could be misinterpreted or that sounds angry, desperate, or emotional?

*Would it be better to communicate this by phone (or in person)?

The secret is to try and keep things as brief and yet clear as possible

Once you have enough practice, you will do these steps naturally....

Alternatively, I could have written the below message and saved my day...

"Thanks for this message. In the middle of XYZ project. Pls give me some time and I will get back to you asap ..."

& later

?"Thank you for your patience. Yes, I have some ideas on this and happy to share over a call. Would love also to hear any ideas you have & please send them over and then we can discuss together"

?This simple shift of Reverse writing offers several benefits:

• Clarity:?By considering the audience's/Receiver’s needs - your message becomes tailored, avoiding unnecessary information and focusing on what matters to them.
• Impact:?A recipient-centric approach gives a stronger engagement and ensures your message resonates effectively.
• Efficiency:?Saves time and avoids misunderstandings by focusing on the essential information needed for the recipient to act.

?When you learn how to write in reverse, you will give your audience/receiver exactly what they need as a clear communication, stronger relationships and ultimately a world where everyone feels heard and understood.

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