Why collaboration by committee creates word soup
Trying to include everyone’s input usually produces a manifesto that says nothing. Chris Erickson on why purpose built by committee ends up as word soup.
Summary
Chris Erickson separates collaboration from committee. Collaboration is critical, but purpose built by compromise tries to include everyone’s input, feedback, and opinions. The result is word soup: a long manifesto that says nothing.
Highlights
- Collaboration matters, but committee writing doesn’t work.
- Including every opinion waters down the result.
- The outcome is a manifesto that says nothing.
Key insights
Input isn’t authorship
Gathering perspectives is useful. Someone still has to decide what the company stands for.
Compromise dilutes meaning
When every voice gets a line, no line carries weight.
Detailed analysis
Committee writing feels inclusive, but it trades clarity for comfort. Teams end up with language nobody objects to and nobody remembers. Strong foundations come from collecting input widely and then making clear choices.
Conclusion
Collaborate on the thinking. Commit to a clear point of view in the writing.
Collaboration is critical, but purpose built by compromise and committee usually ends up being word soup. I’m 100% positive that we’ve all been there, trying to include everybody’s input and feedback and opinions. You don’t want anybody left out, and you end up with this insane manifesto that says nothing at…