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RE: How did you handle your most difficult project as a TW?
Subject:RE: How did you handle your most difficult project as a TW? From:"sbuckley" <sbuckley -at- onlinewriter -dot- com> To:"'Cardimon, Craig'" <ccardimon -at- M-S-G -dot- com>, <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Tue, 2 Aug 2011 11:17:49 -0700
Please see inline.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+sbuckley=onlinewriter -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+sbuckley=onlinewriter -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Cardimon, Craig
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 6:27 AM
To: 'techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com'
Subject: How did you handle your most difficult project as a TW?
I'm sort of stole the title of this thread from another list
(http://www.techcommpros.com/), because it is appropriate for us, too.
What is the most difficult project you've done as a tech writer, and how did
you handle it? For instance:
* Were you scheduled to give an informal presentation to your work
group, only to have your manager's boss drop in?
[Susan] Always write for all audiences. If turns out you don't have all
information, you'll get it or at least all they know. If providing print
outs, always take at least five extra.
* Has a project had an impossible deadline that was delivered with a
straight face, while your jaw dropped to the floor?
[Susan] Try to get them to focus on priorities. This means asking questions,
pushing for answers, and not giving into bullying which shows they either
don't have the answers or don't believe in the schedule. Be helpful but
firm. Recording and holding by their priorities (put it in email and ask for
confirmation - no confirmation is a form of an OK) puts it back on their
plate. They're the managers. That's their job. If they try to make it your
job...well it's time for you to "personally" consider the facts and how it
fits with "your life."
* Has a project made you want to drop everything and run away to
clown school?
[Susan] No.
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