We’ve all been there. You are in a meeting with a team responsible for creating a presentation or document of some sort. 

In general, this team is aligned on the path forward and understands what needs to be done. It’s time to stop talking about what we are going to do and now we need to document how we and others are going to see it through. 

Then the silence ensues. The waffling begins. Nothing happens.

“Should we start here?” 

“Oh, I could see us going in this direction.”

“Whatever you think is best!”

“I’m driving so I can’t see the screen, but I trust you.”

Sometimes it’s best just to own the crappy first draft. We’ve talked about First Pancakes, but the crappy first draft is different. Our goal is to create something objective. People have an easier time critiquing and building off already-established content compared to a blank page. 

It’s important to take no offense to the feedback or edits you receive on this crappy first draft. That is exactly what you want! No more cyclical inaction. be the one who rolls a snowball down the mountain so you can get the avalanche. 

It’s easy to align with undocumented ideas because we craft those ideas to align with our understanding. Documented ideas are tangible and objective. People will have direct opinions about them. And when alignment is needed, you can make sure you’re clear when it’s documented. 

The crappy first draft is invaluable. Learn to love them. learn to excel in them.