Following the rules is the first step, but it doesn't guarantee clarity. When you edit your writing for clarity, keep 2 basic rules in mind:

• Use strong verbs
• Keep it short

Those guidelines mean the difference between Sentence 1 and Sentence 2:

1. Pursuant to the directive received by this employee, the following represents a carefully considered response to the most recently implemented initiatives enacted by the departmental management, which are herewith considered to be less than optimally effective in achieving the desired ends within the scope of the mission defined for the current project.

2. As you requested, I am providing feedback on the latest department initiative. Unfortunately, the initiative does not effectively support our current project.

Strong Verbs-->