What do “common courtesies” and design standards have in common?

Did you know there is National Courtesy Day??

Saying things like “please” and “thank you” or “bless you” when someone sneezes, amongst other actions, are not rules written anywhere, BUT they are mutually agreed upon, and most of us abide by them.?

Something similar happens with design. There are certain standards you should know and follow with firm organization charts:?

#1 - Maintain horizontal and vertical balance. If visual perfectionism isn’t your strong suit, maybe have someone else review the document after you’re done. Because for those who see every visual flaw, this imbalance will be like nails on a chalkboard.?

#2 - Make sure the boxes are all the same size. I’ve been more lenient with this one recently when other designers on my team are responsible for the graphics and org charts, but I’m old school and keep them all the same size when I’m the one creating the layout.?

#3 - Use consistent line weights and connector types. As you might’ve noticed, many of these common courtesies are for aesthetic reasons. But you’d be surprised how much of a difference aesthetics make in whether you win or lose the work.?

#4 - Accurately maintain the definition of staff and line responsibility. If you disobey this one, it might feel like downright disregard for the owner.?

#5 - Follow the pyramid rule. When creating org chart graphics, stack the organization in a pyramid shape, keeping the hierarchy levels in line as you go down the page. It will be easily readable and shows off the depth of experience you’re bringing to the table.?

Again, these are easy and fast rules written in stone somewhere, but when you abide by these design rules, it reduces friction and chaos for the reader and makes the document easier to read, absorb, and understand.?

This will also play positively in your favor regarding decision time for the owner.?

Do you have common courtesy rules for design or other parts of the proposal process? Let’s hear it. I would love to know which design guidelines are your non-negotiables.

But... there is more you need to know!

Is your proposal team cohesive? Are you confident leading the charge on any pursuit? Have you equipped your team to keep on track without keeping tabs on them? Do you feel like you’ve made a difference (for the better) with you at the helm?

If you are quite confident in answering, yes, you will want to keep reading.

Next Wednesday, January 18th at 12:00 pm CT I'll be hosting the first edition of "Secrets on How To Get The Pursuit Team To Meet Their Deadlines Every Proposal Manager Needs To Know".

At this paid workshop, we'll cover how to effortlessly improve your proposal leadership skills and get more done in less time so you can take a worry-free vacation.

Here's just a sample of what we'll answer for you / cover on this incredible webinar:

· Help you develop a leadership style that is congruent with your values, your personality, and the pursuit's needs

· How to get more time, energy, and respect

· How to communicate proactively and frequently with diverse audiences across time zones

· Gives you the knowledge to motivate people through empathy, not simply rewards or punishment

· How to avoid micromanaging your pursuit team

· The real secret for influencing and trusting all of your proposal team members

· How to create a more efficient, empathetic, and empowering approach to getting proposals developed

· How to effortlessly lead proposals from the front and guide others to work efficiently

· Discover how to manage team members at different skill levels

· How to escape long hours and bailing out your team members because of missed deadlines

... and much, MUCH More!

You can save your spot for this training by clicking HERE!

________________________________________________________________

Remember to?subscribe to our YouTube channel?for more high-quality content with?industry experts!?https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY27W93hAD4CiXf4fuC2bMA

If you want more tips on how to?win work, take advantage of a?FREE?strategy call with me.?You can schedule it right here:?https://letsmeet.io/ideasatdawnaecsolutions/are-we-a-fit

Sign up for the weekly Ideas at Dawn newsletter to get all of the stories, tips, and tricks – straight to your inbox.?https://ideasatdawn.ck.page/8b4de31566