I still remember the first time a client asked me, “Michael, how do I even begin a position paper?” He’d been invited to present his organization’s viewpoint at an industry forum and was staring at a blank document, panicked. As a Personal Branding Coach, I’ve guided dozens of professionals through that same frustration. Over the years I developed a simple approach – the one that turns that empty page into a compelling, persuasive document. Today, I’ll share it with you.
Finding Your Footing: How to Start a Position Paper
Starting feels hardest because you’re not just writing—you’re staking a claim. I always tell my clients to begin with a conversation, even if it’s only in your head. Ask yourself: “What exact change am I pushing for?” or “Which misconception must I clear up?” Jot down a sentence: that’s the seed of your thesis. For instance, when I drafted a position paper on remote work policies, I started with: “Hybrid work models, when implemented thoughtfully, boost productivity without sacrificing team cohesion.” That sentence guided every paragraph that followed.
Position Paper Format: Making Your Argument Crystal Clear
A solid format is your safety net. Here’s the structure I coach people to follow—imagine it as building a simple but sturdy bridge from “problem” to “solution”:
- Introduction
I briefly explain the issue’s background and end with my thesis. No fluff—just enough context to ground the reader. - Background & Significance
Why does this matter today? I share stats or anecdotes. In my remote work paper, I cited a survey showing 72% of employees reported better work–life balance. - Supporting Arguments
Each of the next two or three sections defends one pillar of my thesis. For example: productivity gains, cost savings, and talent retention. - Counterarguments and Rebuttals
I address the top concern—“won’t teams feel disconnected?”—and show how structured communication plans bridge gaps. - Conclusion and Call to Action
I restate my stance and leave the reader with a clear next step: pilot a hybrid program for a quarter and measure outcomes.
That format isn’t set in stone—you can adapt it. But it ensures you cover all essential bases without meandering. If you're uncertain about the strength of your arguments, use an AI fact-checker like JustDone to assess their credibility.
Position Paper Outline (with Examples)
Writing a position paper (like any other work, after all), I start with a plan. In fact, that’s the key step for having a well-structured and persuasive position paper. When I sit down to plan, I sketch this outline in plain text:
- Hook: “In 2019, our office turned into a sea of blank walls—courtesy of 500 employees working from home overnight.”
- Context: Brief history of remote work surge.
- Thesis: Hybrid models enhance performance and morale.
- Argument 1: Productivity metrics from my company’s pilot program.
- Argument 2: Cost analysis comparing office upkeep vs. remote support.
- Argument 3: Employee surveys on job satisfaction.
- Counter: Concerns over team unity and proposed mitigation.
- Wrap-up: Recommend a 3-month pilot and share a template for measuring impact.
That outline helped my client draft his first paper in under two hours. He was amazed at how quickly ideas flowed once the structure was clear.
How to Write a Position Paper in 5 Steps
If you like numbered steps, here’s the same process boiled down:
- Pick a precise stance. Vague positions lead to wishy-washy arguments.
- Gather solid evidence. I taught my last client to bookmark studies, quotes, and internal data in a shared folder.
- Draft your thesis. Make it arguable and concise.
- Layer your arguments. Dedicate a paragraph to each strong point.
- Anticipate objections. Win credibility by respectfully rebutting the top two counterpoints.
When you follow these steps—bullet list or not—you’ll see your position paper take shape faster than you expect.
Position Paper Example
Below is a condensed version of the remote work paper I mentioned above when talked about the importance of an outline. Notice how each section lives up to the format above:
Introduction
When the pandemic hit in 2020, companies scrambled to send staff home. Two years later, our team’s productivity climbed by 20%, yet morale dipped in tight-office-only teams. Thesis: A hybrid work model strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and collaboration.
Background
Remote work adoption surged 157% from 2019 to 2021. Companies that refused to adapt saw turnover increase by 12%.
Argument 1: Productivity
Our Q1 pilot showed a 15% increase in task completion rates when employees worked remotely two days per week.
Argument 2: Cost Savings
We reduced office expenses by $50,000 annually by reallocating underused desks to hot-desking arrangements.
Argument 3: Well-Being
Employee surveys revealed a 30% reduction in reported burnout.
Counterargument and Rebuttal
Concern: “Teams will feel isolated.”
Response: Weekly in-person syncs and virtual coffee breaks maintain team spirit.
Conclusion and Call to Action
I recommend launching a 3-month hybrid pilot, with clear success metrics, beginning next quarter.
When I reviewed this draft with my client, he said it felt like a conversation, not a lecture. That’s the sweet spot.
Personal Tips from My Coaching Practice
Over the years, I’ve noticed a few patterns that make a position paper great:
- Storytelling wins hearts. Begin with a relatable anecdote—it’s how I broke the ice in every workshop.
- Numbers build credibility. Even rough estimates can be powerful when tied to real outcomes.
- Language matters. Swap jargon for simple terms. If you find yourself writing a paragraph of industry buzzwords, chances are your reader needs clearer prose. Tools like JustDone’s AI Writing Assistant have helped me spot and simplify overly complex sentences in seconds.
- Feedback is gold. Never submit the first draft. Passing your paper to a peer or mentor can highlight gaps you’ll miss alone. The JustDone Grammar Checker also catches small errors before you hit send.
Stand Out with the Best Position Paper
Writing a position paper isn’t about flexing big words or padding pages. It’s about presenting a focused, evidence-backed argument that persuades. Start with a clear thesis, build your case logically, and don’t shy away from the tough questions—address them head on. That’s how you create a position paper that not only informs but moves decision-makers to action. With practice and a little help from tools like JustDone, be sure you’ll draft position papers that get noticed.
