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Subject:RE: new manager, need advice From:"Christensen, Kent" <lkchris -at- sandia -dot- gov> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 10 Oct 2001 09:12:55 -0600
re: I want to insulate the writer from as much heat as I can ...
My advice is ... at the corporate level (higher than yours and higher than
the developers) establish procedures that ensure both the writers and
developers are exposed to the same heat. The heat of user testing.
Set up a process whereby your product--software and documentation both--is
tested by independent reviewers in the presence of both the developers and
the writers. Operate as if you believe the notion "it's the users, stupid."
(Know that "user" and "customer" are synonymous.)
I don't believe "insulating" is the proper role for a manager. How do
"insulated" employees ever learn to be managers? More importantly, how do
"insulated" writers ever become good writers?
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