Why write memos?
Memos serve two main purposes: to bring up a problem, and to solve or suggest solutions to the problem. Not all memos do both—some memos are purely informative and don’t include a call for action. They may alert you of price increases, policy changes, or new administration, but they won’t require any action on your part. Most memos, however, are written to induce some kind of response. Memos about upcoming deadlines may prompt you to step up the work. Those that come with delivered goods usually require a signature or confirmation of receipt. That’s where the first rule of memo writing comes in: you have to indicate your purpose and make a clear demand for action.
