When the first draft should be the last draft

All writers advocate for good editing. Many of us make multiple drafts of pieces, write alternative intros or headings, carry out several revisions, and get as many points of view as possible before publishing.

However, multiple rounds of edits are not always appropriate. Your first draft is the right draft when your message is heartfelt.

Sharing your unedited thoughts at work can be intimidating. It is especially hard if you’re an over-thinker or naturally timid, but there are professional downsides to letting shyness hold you back. Clinical psychologist Craig April, told The Muse: “We often create what we fear. You may?procrastinate on an email you know you must send, [fearing] that you’ll be judged or criticized. But that’s what is self-fulfilling — if you procrastinate, the email is sent late, which almost encourages judgment and criticism.”

The longer you ruminate, the less likely you are to speak up.

The more time spent self-editing messages in your head or your outbox, the more likely you are to feel silly and stay quiet. So instead of mulling it over, stand up after the inspiring talk at an event and ask for the presenter’s contact details, or express your admiration out loud for a stranger who stepped out of the status quo. Tell them. Don’t wait. Get used to saying your thoughts in the moment and, in time, it will come naturally.

Even if feedback is not positive, share your unedited thoughts [discreetly].

We are told that feedback should always be given thoughtfully and calmly, after the fact. But on-the-spot feedback can be beneficial. While episodical feedback has an important role in professional development and passive learning, instant reactions make feedback an active experience. The person has the opportunity to either modify behaviour immediately or lean into what you liked. Contextual, heartfelt feedback also shows you’re listening, and that the other person’s work or presentation is important to you.

There are moments when this is not appropriate, of course, though I'd make the distinction that "sharing your first draft" is not the same as being impulsive or speaking out of turn at work. After all, being reactive is not professional; being unedited is genuine.

Your first drafts are likely extremely authentic, which cannot be imitated by AI (we need to hold on to those jobs machines can't do!). For your own development, it is important because:

• Authenticity builds human connections.
• Authenticity, when paired with integrity, commands respect.

How can we feel comfortable hitting send without stalling?

You can start by sending a heartfelt congratulations to a co-worker you're not close to, who got certified in an additional skill after months of late nights, or by reaching out to a new LinkedIn connection and offering your opinion on their article (that's an open invitation!).

With time, sharing the first draft of your reactions will get easier, and more authentic when you remember: Hesitation only dulls a genuine message.