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Subject:Re: Another question I've had for years... From:TechComm Dood <techcommdood -at- gmail -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Thu, 14 Oct 2004 01:25:45 -0400
> Jim Barrow wrote:
> > "How would you get information from subject matter experts that are
> > being...difficult? Let's say that they never had the time to speak
> > with you, or they were reluctant to give you the information that you
> > needed."
Responses centered around bribery with food and drink (which I assume
were in jest).
I don't like "rewards" for fostering collaboration. I know many do it,
but I don't condone it, at least not if you don't do it wisely (that
is, once and only once to get a point across that a TEAM has to WORK
TOGETHER).
IMO, if you're part of a team, you gotta collaborate. Silos suck, to
put it bluntly. If you're not getting a positive response out of your
team, first see if you're going about it correctly (so instead of
soliciting blind advice, explain your practice for critical review),
and second, and only if the first action passes, work the management
structure in a positive way (collaborate with management, don't
complain to them).
Success as a technical writer requires excellent soft skills,
particularly in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution,
project management, and leadership.
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