By Frances J. Trelease
Communications Professor | Business Writing Trainer
Poor writing doesn’t just soak up our time. It comes with real costs to our career success, in the form of lost credibility, broken contracts and stalled careers. In the grain industry, where precise language is key, strong writing skills aren’t just optional — they’re strategic.
Yet writing is quickly becoming a lost art. Even seasoned workers struggle to write professional emails, summaries, reports and proposals that they can feel proud of. And the skills gap - between what workers bring to jobs, and what employers need - grows wider by the day.
Let’s explore this more. And don’t worry - there’s good news to follow!
The Hidden Costs of Poor Writing
Poor business writing can take many forms – such as unclear emails with unanswered requests. Vague reports. Confusing documents. But the costs go further than confusion. Poor writing can ruin a worker’s reputation; and with that, career growth and upward mobility.
As unfair as it may seem, here’s the reality: we equate poor or cloudy writing with incompetence. We don’t see a person as “on their game” when their writing is bad – even if they’re highly skilled in their field. The result? Leadership loses confidence and opportunities are lost.
And in high-stakes settings, a poorly worded incident report or contract summary can also invite legal liability.
What Holds People Back from Improving Their Writing?
So why don’t more workers seek skills training? For some, it’s a fear of being judged or looking unqualified for their jobs. Because of that, training needs to be respectful, practical and non-threatening. The right training builds confidence, not anxiety. And it focuses on the skills that workers need every day on the job.
We also know that most workers don’t set out to be unclear when they write. In many cases, they’re just overwhelmed.
It’s also a safe bet that some – if not most – haven’t been taught to specifically write for the workplace. Add to that a digital environment that encourages speed over substance, technical jargon, AI short-cuts, cross-generational barriers, and constant multitasking. Writing becomes a chore and a “to-do item” that many workers dread.
As both a college professor and recruiter for many years, I see that widening gap between employer needs and applicant writing skills every day. And I hear it time and time again from employers - “We need people who can write.”
That’s because a strong writer doesn’t just fill out forms or send emails. They’re asked to lead meetings, make document decisions, and represent the company professionally.
In many industries where recruitment is a growing challenge, investing in the communication skills of existing staff is a wise strategy move. It enables career growth and promotability so workers can accomplish more. There’s an added bonus: strong writers are perceived as strategic thinkers and “leadership ready” – both directly linked to higher salaries and more frequent promotions.
Training That Works — Without the Night Classes
I promised you good news earlier on, and here it is. Writing can be taught. And it doesn’t require a return to night classes at your local college. Or buying heavy, expensive textbooks.
Online training that’s designed for working professionals can be cost-effective, flexible, and respectful of people’s time.
The Write Right Method, an online 12-module course, focuses on real-world writing: emails, reports, proposals, and meeting notes. It’s built for people who already know their industry, or are actively learning it, but wish to express their knowledge more clearly in writing.
The Digital Era: Artificial Intelligence as A Double-Edged Sword
Ironically, the tools that were supposed to make writing easier have made it messier. With the influx of AI, texts, chats, and emails fly fast and furious, often without context or clarity.
Increasingly, people use AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT to write for them. That’s a mistake. AI is just a tool. It can’t replace an employees’ judgment, knowledge or expertise. And it shouldn’t. Studies show that even AI makes mistakes; in fact, quite often. Without a baseline of industry knowledge to guide you, content mistakes can get forwarded and then take on a life of their own.
Subtleties also can get lost. AI can’t know what your customer meant by “urgent,” or why a certain phrase or term might trigger confusion in a safety memo. Clear business writing still requires a human brain.
Now don’t get me wrong; AI can be a powerful ally when used wisely. It can draft outlines, rephrase awkward sentences, and suggest tone adjustments. But it’s only as good as the person guiding it.
The goal isn’t to outsource our writing; it’s to enhance it. AI may fine-tune your writing – but it shouldn’t be the author. I cover that extensively in the Write Right Method course.
Writing as a Path to Leadership
If you wish to lead in your industry, you need to write like a leader.
That means being clear, concise, and persuasive. It means knowing when to tell a story, when to get to the point, and when to ask the right question.
In global industry, where operations may span continents and decisions affect millions of dollars, your clearly written documents tell others you’re ready to take on responsibility and manage complexity with confidence.
A Call to Action
In 2024 I spoke at a national industry conference where I learned that many industries face a talent crunch. Recruiting new professionals is difficult, as is retaining them once they’re on board.
That’s why investing in writing training isn’t just about “soft skills” — it’s about strengthening your workforce from the inside out.
Online training makes this possible. It’s accessible, adaptable, and designed for real-world application. And when employees feel confident in how they communicate, they show up differently — with more clarity, more initiative, and more impact.
For those who want to peek into the Write Right Method, I’m posting a link to a free module from the course, complete with access to an instant “literacy scorecard” to assess your writing baseline. Take a look: https://lnkd.in/eSUmt2Us. I’ll see you inside.
Signature:
Fran Trelease is a trainer, college lecturer, and public speaker known for her engaging, down-to-earth approach to workplace communication. With roots in journalism and a passion for clarity, she helps professionals break through communication barriers in writing, leadership, and team dynamics. Fran teaches at Housatonic Community College and Post University, and shares insights through articles, keynotes, and educational podcasts.
