The Skill of Writing a Good Report

This week has been a busy one with three in-house workshops in three different cities. While contexts differed, the goal was the same: how can real-life observations be converted into a professional report?

As human beings, we are guided by cultural values and empathy. Swiss culture, for example, is a lot about avoiding intrusiveness. This cultural value may deter a reporter from using explicit language and induce them to sugarcoat their observations.

Yet, the language of a good report is factual, precise, and value-free. It is thus important to overcome the reporter's bias. Because the skill of writing a good report is just as much about observing as it is about writing.

The workshops triggered discussions that – I am told – continued after the workshop was over. And in fact, the same goes for me: I truly love my job!