Point of View

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines ‘Point of View’ (POV) as a position or perspective from which something is considered or evaluated; a standpoint.

In the world of business, a POV is often used to communicate the organization's or individual's thoughts, beliefs, expertise, or recommendations. When our clients have a need and want to hear how we would address it, we can respond with a formal proposal. We can also respond with a preliminary, shorter Point of View document. Points of View are also written and published to let the world know what you think of a certain technology or approach, to make a case or to agree or disagree with a proposition.

While there isn’t only one way to craft a Point of View, here are a few guidelines I trust you will find useful:

• Do your homework. Engage with relevant stakeholders to refine and validate your point of view. This can eliminate blind spots in your thinking and make the POV resonate with your intended audience. When you cite examples and present data and evidence to support your perspective, your POV becomes credible.
• Set the context. Let your audience know what your POV is all about and why they should read it. Give them a clear idea up-front on what they will take away from this POV.
• Outline your approach. Having told your audience what your destination is, tell them how you will get there. This can include needed resources, tools and timelines. If the program is large and complex, give them a roadmap which indicates interim milestones. Highlighting relevant threats and opportunities will show how experienced you are in this field.
• Tell a story. Can your POV hook your reader with a narrative that is interesting and relatable? Using an obstacle similar to the one your client faces, can you show how your team provided a solution that was effective?
• Use language that moves and inspires. Describing the problem that your solution addresses, the benefits of your approach and what the end-state looks like in direct and jargon-free language will always be appreciated. Using powerful metaphors, similes and analogies will help you communicate vividly.
• Think Executive Summary. A Point of View is a focused document that lets your audience know quite quickly your thoughts and views in a concise, logical and coherent manner.

Well-crafted POVs achieve several objectives: They demonstrate our competence, expertise, maturity of thought, and leadership in a field. They communicate complex ideas and strategies to a large audience or target group. They can influence customers, stakeholders, partners and peers in the industry to take a similar viewpoint or make decisions. They set us apart in a crowded marketplace by highlighting what is unique or innovative in our approach or perspective.

What have been your experiences in creating POVs? Have you come across any outstanding POV? What made them stand out? Please write in the comments section. I would love to hear from you.