TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I've had good luck *leading by example.* In my case, some of the managers I've
worked for were poor at documentation project management. They quickly learn
to rely on the competent members of their staff because these staffers know
their stuff.
In fact, some of these manager may have gotten nice promotions due to the
efforts of a professional providing behind-the-scenes coaching. As a consultant,
when I see this happen, it is gratifying to me.
From: howardg -at- savvy -dot- com
In an effort to make mngmt aware of my role as their tech writer, I took to
e-mailing upper-level managers when a milestone on their document was
reached. The problem was that managers would see work in progress, but
upper-management only saw a completed book. They had no idea what went into
a 230 page manual
("can't you just type it?").
The weekly updates (or more often, if needed) have raised management's
awareness of the complexities involved in creating usable manuals.
