Legal Writing

Peter Drucker, the father of modern management theory, wrote, "There can be no communication if it is conceived as going from the 'I' to the 'Thou.' Communication works only from one member of 'us' to another."

This week, as you begin each piece of writing, ask yourself, "To what community do my reader and I both belong?" If you can define this community at the very beginning of your writing process, all kinds of other decisions will fall into place for you.

Difficult pieces of writing will suddenly become easier if instead of focusing on the antagonisms or differences between you and your readers, you focus on the community you're both part of. Even if you're angry at your reader or have a complaint about your reader's performance, you'll find that you can frame your message in the context of what you both want to happen?larger market share, say, or a better work environment.