Arial, the standard font that we see when we open a new document, isn’t the problem. Standards are. So how does Arial conflict with having standards of excellence in your business?
When you think of “brand standards” for your business, does it conjure up images of logos, color schemes, and taglines meticulously crafted to represent a company’s identity? While this is part of it, there exists a deeper layer to brand consistency that extends beyond aesthetics—a layer that permeates through every document, presentation, and communication produced by an organization. This layer is encapsulated in what we at BlueprintOS call “Maxims,” succinct statements that transcend core values and delve into the very essence of a company’s culture.
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Never Send a Document in Arial
One such Maxim, aptly named “Never Send a Document in Arial,” may seem trivial at first glance, but its significance reverberates throughout Blueprint’s ethos and operational framework. It isn’t about a font at all, at its core, this maxim embodies a commitment to uniformity and intentionality in every facet of communication. It’s about more than just selecting a font; it’s about crafting a narrative of excellence and attention to detail that permeates every interaction, internal and external.
The rationale behind this seemingly arbitrary rule becomes clear with closer examination. While fast-paced business operations make default settings (like Arial in a document) the norm, deviation can lead to a haphazard mishmash of styles and formats—a Frankenstein document, if you will. By establishing a standard template for all documents in our Playbook For Creating Playbooks, BlueprintOS ensures cohesion and clarity across its internal and external communications. This consistency fosters efficiency and professionalism, setting a precedent for quality that extends far beyond mere aesthetics.
More Than a Style Choice
But the implications of “Never Send a Document in Arial” extend beyond practicality; they speak to a broader philosophy of deliberate action and purposeful design. By instilling a culture that values meticulous attention to detail in the seemingly mundane, we cultivate a mindset of excellence that permeates every aspect of its operations. As Steve Jobs famously remarked, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is h