Issue #16 - The Power Of The One Pager

Leverage precise, focused one page documents to promote your ideas.

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Tip of The Week: The Power of The One-Pager

We all have ideas that we wish to propose and get adopted in our organisations and a one-pager is a great way to achieve that.

Many software development proposals are packed with technical jargon and intricate details which overwhelm the reader. This complexity and level of detail hides the message and value from stakeholders, leading to ideas being misunderstandings and rejected.

The One-Pager Advantage

One-pagers address this by condensing the idea into a single page, doing so forces you to focus on what matters most. Here's why one-pagers stand out for proposing software development ideas:

1. Clarity of Message

The primary goal of any proposal is clear communication. One-pagers compel you to distill your thoughts, making your message simple, clear and easily understood.

2. Focus on Essentials

The one-page limitation forces you to include only the essential aspects of your idea, preventing information overload and ensuring that your proposal is impactful.

3. Quick Decision-Making

One-pagers streamline decision-making. Their brevity enables stakeholders to assess your idea swiftly, resulting in prompt decisions and approvals. Think about it, as a busy stakeholder whose proposal do you read, the precise focused single page or the 30-pager?

4. Cross-Functional Accessibility

The limited space ensures a focus on the core essentials, avoiding jargon, which ensures that non-technical stakeholders can engage with your proposal effectively.

5. Increased Engagement

The brevity of one-pagers encourage audience engagement. It’s less of a chore to read them.

6. Crystal-Clear Objectives

Explicitly stating your objectives on a one-pager helps align your audience with your vision, fostering better collaboration and a shared sense of purpose.

7. Reduced Misinterpretation

The concise nature of one-pagers minimises the risk of misinterpretation, ensuring your audience understands your idea precisely as intended.

8. Resource Optimisation

One-pagers are a cost-effective approach, optimising time and resources spent on proposals.

So how do you create one?

Here’s what I suggest you include, often less will do:

1. Title and Header: A clear title and header with your name and the date.

2. Problem Statement: A brief outline of the problem or opportunity.

3. Solution Description: A concise description of your proposed solution, highlighting key features.

4. Objectives: Clear statements of the objectives your proposal aims to achieve.

5. Key Benefits: An outline of the benefits your idea offers.

6. Constraints and Risks: Acknowledgment of any constraints or potential risks associated with your proposal.

7. Next Steps: A brief description of the next steps or actions required.

Writing is a superpower for software developers and the one-pager is an incredible way to leverage that superpower. Give it a try next time you want to get one of your ideas adopted.

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