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Subject:Re: STC Transformation -- info From:eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 16 Jul 2004 10:40:35 -0400
bounce-techwr-l-106467 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com wrote on 07/16/2004 10:07:15 AM:
> Sometimes you can prove value, and other times you have to just let
> the value make itself known.
Sorry, but in neither of your two positions did you make your value or the
value of good technical communication known to the organisation. All you
proved was your value as a sycophant.
In the first case, you undoubtedly made the CTO regret his decision but I
will guess that you created a lot of resentment. In the second, well,
perhaps the VP realised he made the wrong choice. But, did they have any
understanding of the value of your function or simply a disdain for the
way the PhD filled the role of publications. I bet their view of technical
communication was as low as it ever was. Did they say "Or publications are
terrible and the company is suffering from poor communication and bad
customer support." or did they say "Working with the guy is awful. I'd
rather listen Vogon poetry." (that's two Douglas Adams inspired references
today. :) )
That's where value has to be proven. That decent tech comm isn't a
necessary evil or barely warranted cost. Nor is it an after thought that
can be left to other's spare time. There are indeed some on the list that
have excelled in showing the value good tech comm can provide. But, I tend
to think that they were helped at least some by the attitudes of their
management and peers.
That's where the STC fails miserably as a professional organisation.
Externally, the STC should be promoting tech comm to all industries to the
point where hiring managers have a high expectation for tech comm
departments and a positive outlook on their worth to the company.
Internally, the STC should be providing members with the tools and support
so that members who are stuck in situations as described don't have the
choices of quit, exact vengeance, or throw out your values and become a
sycophant.
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