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Subject:Re: Academic Research in TechComm From:Bill Swallow <techcommdood -at- gmail -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Thu, 31 Mar 2005 10:05:31 -0500
Excellent post Eric.
To turn the discussion on its head a bit, when people do bring up
issues of "value" and "appreciation", how are these terms being
defined? Is it that you truly are not "valued" (in which case, as Eric
mentioned, why then are they paying you?) or is it that perhaps your
definition and the company's definition of "value" are different?
I have a suggestion for anyone who ever feels they are not valued or
appreciated (and this goes for any situation, not just work)... Try to
remove yourself from the issue and reflect on the other party's
perspective. What is it that the other party is trying to do, and what
might be of the most importance to them (long-term and short-term).
Then reflect on what you *are* doing and determine if it aligns
(again, keep your own feelings out of it, if you can). Then reflect on
whether or not your view on what you are doing and their view of what
you are doing match.
This isn't to say that every instance of "value" frustration is due to
a writer's inability to align with the "valuer's" views, nor do I mean
to imply that you should always look to align with their views.
Rather, this bit of analysis might be helpful in determining just how
you might go about navigating the situation to make it better for all
(whatever that course of action might be).
Just some thoughts. It's worked for me so far.
Bill
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 10:45:04 -0400,
eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com
<eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com> wrote:
>
> Why the never ending angst about techwriting "value"?
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