How to Write Clear and Concise Policies & Procedures

Create well-written documentation that is easily understood and legally sound

1-Day Seminar - US $199.00; For groups of 5 or more, 189.00

Save yourself countless hours of writing and rewriting and protect your company from the threat of legal liability.

Here's just some of what we'll cover:

• Wording that could land your company in a legal landmine
• The difference between a policy and a procedure — and how to reflect them in your writing style
• Red flags that tell you a policy should be reconsidered or communicated more effectively
• Shortcuts that trim hours off your writing and compilation time
• Guidelines on writing policies and procedures about sensitive subjects without offending
• How to make sure your manual doesn't turn into a long list of "don'ts"
• 4 questions to ask yourself before publishing any policy

Write clear, concise policies and procedures that eliminate gray areas and end confusion.

Writing policies and procedures is probably one of your least favorite tasks, maybe even something you've been putting off for weeks — or months. You know it has to be done, but it seems like there's always something more presssing to handle. And when you do try to get started, you have so many questions about the process ...

"Is it best to write in the positive, or do I focus on what employees should NOT do?"

"What exactly are the legal traps I need to watch out for?"

"Can I post this on our Web site, so it will be easy to update ... or should I distribute hard copies?"

"What are the specific words and phrases that make people angry? I really want to avoid those!"

"I'm no writer — so how am I ever going to tackle this job?

You can get the help you need and answers to all these questions — including dozens you haven't even thought to ask — at this information-packed one-day seminar. Here's the simple truth: Well-written, concise policies and procedures are the framework that holds your organization together and makes everything run smoothly and efficiently. Attend this one-of-a-kind, career-enhancing program and learn valuable techniques for writing policies and procedures with skill and ease.

Don't wait until there's an unfortunate misunderstanding, a critical mistake, or even a lawsuit that solid documentation could have prevented. Take action today!

• The Basics
• The Critical Pre-Writing Phase
• The Written Word
• The Ideal Format
• The Final Development Phase: Approval
• Implementation and Enforcement
• Maintenance — How to Keep Up Your Good Work

• Policies and procedures defined — and how they're different from each other
• Telltale signs that your organization needs a written policy or procedure
• The benefits of policies and procedures — with respect to money, time, and peace of mind
• How to identify the areas within your company that are most in need of a new or refreshed handbook or manual
• The very real risks of poorly written policies and procedures
• The role of HR in developing documentation — what your department can and cannot do

• 4 foolproof steps to designing an on-target policy or procedure
• When it's best to start from scratch, and when you should revise existing documents
• Great ideas for communicating complex procedures
• Tips that save time without sacrificing quality when information is needed fast
• The 4 critical phases of development
• When it's better not to put a policy in writing

• Tools and techniques that make corporate writing a snap
• Wording tips from the pros to help you craft clear, concise, and correct documentation
• 5 easy steps for writing the perfect document every time
• What you don't include, and why it's as important as what you do include
• The most important thought to keep in mind while writing your manual
• Phrases that connect with employees — and others that are turnoffs
• Which of the "old rules" no longer applies
• Strategies for avoiding language that creates an uncomfortable, legally binding contract
• Guidelines on writing policies you don't personally agree with

• How to determine which format matches your message
• How graphics affect the readability and accessibility of your information
• Various ways to deliver your message (the Web, contracts, forms, handbooks, e-mail, and intranet) and the advantages of each
• The vital element that is often omitted from a manual
• Common design mistakes and how to avoid them

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To find out more about How to Write Clear and Concise Policies & Procedures contact our customer service department at customerservice@pryor.com or by phone at 1-800-780-8476.