Human-First Operational Writing Standard

Department

Creative

Table of Contents


Purpose

This document defines how Kiluth writes operational documentation so it is easy to follow, easy to maintain, and safe to execute.

Outcome
A new teammate can execute the process correctly under time pressure, and the org can resolve conflicts using facts and links.

Scope

This standard applies to all Kiluth official operational docs across departments (Technology, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Delivery, Creative, HR, Account Management).

Includes
1Tone and writing style
2Minimum structure and formatting rules
3How to write checkpoints / decision points and handoffs

Operating Model

Operating Model
1Asana is the system of record for work tracking, approvals, and handoffs.
2Use checkpoints and decision points: don’t move forward until the previous step is “done”, and branches are explicit.
3Handoff order: upstream defines handoff artifacts/exit criteria; downstream defines execution after handoff.

Writing Principles (Kiluth Standard)

PrincipleWhat it means in practice
Human-firstWrite for a real person doing real work. Assume they are busy. Reduce reading and cognitive load. Make each step easy to find and follow by breaking complex processes into granular, individual sections.
SimplePrefer short sentences and common words. Remove filler (“in order to”, “it is important to”).
MinimalKeep only what prevents mistakes or resolves common confusion. If it’s not used, remove it.
ConcreteUse “do X, paste link Y here, proceed when Z is true”. Prefer examples, templates, and checklists. Include numbered process descriptions within each step to show exactly what needs to happen.
Scientific / data-firstPrefer facts, artifacts, timestamps, links, and proofs over opinions and memory.
StructuredUse consistent headings, 2-column tables for processes/lists, and explicit owners for handoffs. Break each major step into its own section for easier navigation and comprehension.
FlexibleDefine a default path, but allow exceptions via explicit decision points and documented deviations.

Document Structure (Minimum)

All Kiluth official docs should include:

Required
1Title (H1)
2Department line under the title (plain text)
3## Table of Contents (always present; 2-column table)
4A step-by-step section for the core workflow (when it’s a process doc)
5Roles/owners for handoffs (who creates the next task / who approves / who links proof)

Recommended when relevant:

Recommended
1Usage section (for process documents): Explains how to use the document step-by-step, what each section describes, and when to follow sections in order
2Overview section (for process documents): Provides high-level context about the process flow before diving into detailed steps
3Granular step structure: Break each major step into its own section (H2) rather than grouping all steps under a single “Step-by-Step Process” section. This makes the flow easier to follow and navigate
4Process descriptions: Include numbered lists within each step showing what needs to happen (e.g., “PM estimation process: 1. Review scope, 2. Consider complexity, 3. Estimate range…“)
5Asana card templates for handoffs (Title / Assignee / Description)
6A short checklist at the end (only if the workflow has multiple handoffs/steps)
7Decision points in an `Outcome

Language & Terminology Rules

TopicRule
“Gate” wordingAvoid “gate”. Use checkpoints for step validation and decision points for branching.
Sign-offPrefer “sign-off proof” language and always make it linkable from Asana. If contract-related, require signed document.
Avoid policy-enforcement tonePrefer “proceed when…” over “must / cannot” unless the rule prevents real risk.
HandoffsAlways specify: owner → artifact(s) → where to link → what “done” means.

Examples (Before / After)

Before (too vague)After (Kiluth style)
“Make sure the client is aligned before proceeding.”“Proceed when the client sign-off proof is linked in Asana: Sign-off proof: [Link] (meeting minutes or signed doc; signed doc required for contract-related decisions).”
“Go-live should be done carefully.”“In the go-live task, write: (1) rollback plan link, (2) verification checklist, (3) execution window, (4) result: Verified / Rolled back.”

Checklist (Writer Use)

Checklist
1☐ Every step is actionable (someone can do it without guessing)
2☐ Every handoff has an owner + artifact + link location + exit criteria
3☐ Checkpoints/decision points are explicit (no hidden branching)
4☐ Templates exist for cross-department handoffs
5☐ The doc is shorter than it wants to be (removed nice-to-have text)
6☐ Terms are consistent across departments (same labels where possible)