“The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.” –Lao Tzu 

I’ve always been very fond of this quote. (That’s right, I’m a quote collector.) It’s interesting, thinking back to a year ago and my first few months at Company B – realizing things I considered challenging at the time are now easy and integral parts of my day.
It helps to put into perspective some of the formidable tasks I currently face. With enough work, these too will become hurdles of the past.

One thing that’s never really been an issue for me is writing. I’m not going to pen the American novel here, but I’ve always had a good handle on the English language and can craft a mildly entertaining story. The ability to write well is essential. It makes every job easier and is an applicable talent to most careers, especially in this industry.

Yet writing well is a skill whose status is on par with the Sumatran Elephant – critically endangered.

Writing seems to be a less and less valued talent to my generation, we millennials. Bonnie recaps an incident in a recent published piece that exemplifies the problem.

“…a recent graduate of a large public university, sent me a form letter that said she was a “newly graduate with a degree in Public Relations” and ended with: ‘Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!’

I do have questions and am a little bit concerned. And I’m not going to call. A degree in public relations should include the lesson that to be successful, you excel at selling your ideas in writing.”

I’m lucky I had a parent that valued my writing, helping hone my skills early in life. I do my best to constantly improve, because public relations is a field exploding with growth, so I need to stay on top of my game. Setting yourself apart is a must, ladies and gentlemen. But poor grammar and lax writing are not the way to do it. Whether it’s personal responsibility or a problem tackled in the school system, the development of writing skills has to be an important part of job prep. Please please PLEASE, don’t leave home without it.