Re: Should the Doc Manager be equal to the Dev Manager? (LONG)
Do you think the Documentation Manager should be equal to -- or report to --
the Development Manager?
>
I know several posters have said that it doesn't matter where tech writers
sit in the org chart because results speak for themselves. While I agree, I
also think that that acting as a user advocate requires some authority.
Authority doesn't lie in your job title. It's partly a matter of taking responsibility, and a large part a matter of personality.
You could be theoretically equal to the development manager, but from what you say, I doubt that you would have equal weight and authority. After all, you say that the development manager already has a large number of responsibilities, and is a bit overpowering. You also say that he can control senior management So how real would
your theoretical equality actually be?
That's true all down the line. How much will your campaign really affect your situation? You may not have to report to the development manager, but you probably still have to keep in touch. You may be able to demand, but the development manager can probably still stonewall you at will. A title won't magically change your current situation, or make the development manager listen to you more, especially if senior management is likely to back him/her up (which sounds like the case).
I could be wrong, but it sounds as though you are hoping that a new job title or promotion will solve your existing situation. In fact, it may complicate it. I'm sure you have good reasons for this suggested solution, but it might look like a power grab. You could lose support from other people in the company, and you might endanger the few gains you have made in development. So, before you go any further, I suggest that you ask yourself whether this campaign is worth your effort. If it comes off as a piece of office politicing, it probably isn't. You could very easily win in practice, but lose in the long run.
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com
"My bonnie moorhen lies over the main,
And it will be summer ere he comes again,
But when he comes back again, some folk can ken,
I'll drink a health to my bonny moorhen."
-Jacobean Song
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