Last week, I was reviewing a letter a colleague had written in a noncompete case. It was a good letter. But it read like a mystery novel with the punch line at the end.
So, we decided to write the letter following something practiced in the Army: the bottom line up front (BLUF) format. The letter began with this sentence, in bold: “XYZ Co. asks that you read this letter carefully. The letter requests that you take steps to honor your noncompete agreement. If you fail to do so, XYZ will strongly consider filing a lawsuit against you.”
My mother taught me to speak to people in a language they understand. It is effective for the speaker and fair for the listener. So, thanks to the U.S. Army and my mom. Now, that's a winning combination.
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