Earth to Mars, Come in. Over.

Sometimes when it comes to writing stuff, I know exactly what I would like to put to paper.  At other times others give me the idea with their thoughts or email.  Today I got an email, and it really says something that reflects my thinking.  I When I get it right.  It feels great.
The email I received talked about something dear to my heart.  It is something I very much try to make a guiding principle in my life.
When writing procedures, I often have a FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions area.  Many times no one is actually asking the questions except me.  What I try to do is look at something from a user’s perspective and imagine the questions they may have.  I figure that by answering legitimate questions that could arise I am more likely to have made provision for what is needed.
I must confess there are a number of times (particularly with new technology) a procedure is expected to be followed that has all the hallmarks of being produced by someone rather than an end user.  The procedure may make sense to the writer, but it can take me hours (or if at all) to figure it out.
Merril and I got a bbq.  The instructions for putting it together that came with it were terrible.  We would have had no clue the order that should be followed if it was not for a you tube video of someone doing it.
I admit that sort of thing disappoints and frustrates.  When something is done from my point of view (and assumes nothing) I am way more likely to recommend a product to others.  If something is harder to do then it need be, my experience is less likely to be positive.  I am more likely to tell people to stay away then to promote it to others.
So when I received this email I felt we were singing from the same song book.  I know I try and sometimes fail but I also know that I give what was being talked about my best shot.  I am an end user.  I know what works for me.
“One of the most valuable skills in life is being able to see another person's perspective.  If you're going to someone's house, think about how it might feel to be the host. If you're creating a product, spend as much time as possible thinking like the customer. If you're calling customer service, think about how it might feel to be on the other end of the conversation.  The more clearly you understand the viewpoint of your spouse or customer or coworker, the better positioned you are to find a solution.”