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Subject:Re: Delegating (was: Working later than the boss) From:John Posada <jposada01 -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:sharon -at- anthrobytes -dot- com, vrfour -at- verizon -dot- net, techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Sun, 8 Jul 2007 13:35:20 -0700 (PDT)
>Behalf Of James Barrow
>So how does one go from flying solo to flying in formation? ;^) Should I
>take the time to type my meeting notes so that the new resource can convert
>these to requirements? Should I just dump all of the information in their
>laps and say 'call me if you have any questions'?
>
>Does anyone have any general advice on how to get new hires up-to-speed?
Alot depends on the level of the new writer. Is the new writer intermediate to senior level? If so, give the person something that uses writing and organizational skills but not product skills...I started my current gig 15 months ago with Installation of our product on Windows documentation and Release Notes, progressed through UNIX and Linux installation, now I handle what ever comes along.
Are they entry level? Let them do peer reviews for other writers. Not only will they start to get a feel of what their stuff should look like, but you'll get a feel on their level of attention to details and whether they know how to write up clear comments...chances are, if you cannot understand their comments, you won't understand their instructions. If they handle that, haved them do a Release Note ort two under the supv of one of your lead writerrs.
John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
"They say everyone needs goals. Mine is to live forever.
So far, so good."
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