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Subject:Re: career development advice From:Nancy Smith <smithcds -at- ICI -dot- NET> Date:Wed, 11 Aug 1999 14:23:14 -0400
Hmmm, to answer your questions in the order listed, you don't, you don't,
and you don't!
That is, unless you have clear goals and objectives and really work at it!
When I was first promoted from being a writer/project leader to being a
supervisor, the reality was quite a shock! I felt like all I did was "get
stuff" and troubleshoot for the people I supervised!
When I had a job 50% managing and 50% writing, it was a little better, but
there was no time for learning new tools.
My last manager, who was also supposed to write, gave us the good stuff and
did the crappy stuff herself.
The downside of managing is it's hard to stay on top of tools. The upside is
you *should* get paid more for the headaches! And, if you're a
"people-person" who likes mentoring others, then managing can be very
satisfying!
In any case it's extremely important for you to get training in management
skills, including the legal issues! For example, I really like to touch
people (on the shoulder or arm) and I had to keep reminding myself that, as
a supervisor, I was at risk that I might touch someone who might take it as
an offense.
Nancy Smith
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Technical Writers List; for all Technical Communication issues
> [mailto:TECHWR-L -at- listserv -dot- okstate -dot- edu]On Behalf Of Backer, Corinne
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:42 AM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- listserv -dot- okstate -dot- edu
> Subject: career development advice
>
>
> Hello, wise ones.
>
> I find myself in a little bind, toward which I'm sure you can
> offer advice.
>
> I'm a relatively new "manager" supervising 5 other people (2 staff, 1
> contract, 2 interns), while still responsible for projects
> myself. I find
> myself up to my eyeballs in ignorance, regarding not only the
> latest in our
> profession, but now supervisory and budgeting and
> goal-setting and time
> management skills, etc., all while trying to maintain some
> space for my golf
> game. :)
>
> My question is this: How do you balance the requirements of learning
> management skills with improving tech writing skills? How do
> you feel as
> though you're progressing satisfactorily in all aspects of
> your career? How
> do you feel satisfied or fulfilled or somewhat confident in
> the face of
> perpetual challenge and new situations?
>
> I should mention that I work in a mildly chaotic environment,
> with project
> and priorities that often *radically* change. So I spend a
> lot of time at my
> desk on "emergencies."
>
> I'm trying to put a positive spin on this career opportunity,
> which I know
> could be a great learning experience. But I'm feeling a
> little outgunned.
>
> Thanks for any and all tips.
>
> Corinne
>
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