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A. You can do it! Every manager has private qualms about his or her ability
to manage, and yes, there are certain writers who can make managing difficult.
B. Do not focus on negatives, now or while managing. Set your people up to
succeed. Keep your own manager out of your writers' hair. You do not need to
be an expert. You need to find experts and get their assistance.
C. Get a weekly report from every writer. Give a weekly report to your manager,
and outline (1) where we are now, (2) what we plan to do and (3) any problems.
in all reports.
D. Don't "grab the reins." Don't grow pointy hair. Good luck!
> I'm in a unique position right now. There is a strong possibility of a
> supervisory position becoming available in our TW department and I'm not
> sure if I should apply for it or not. I'm hesitant because I'm not sure
> if I'd be able to write as much (at least not end-user docs) and that
> makes me a little uncomfortable because that's what I've been doing for
> over 13 years. My manager has asked me what I want to do, which is
> unique. She doesn't want me to be unhappy because I'm not writing. I'm
> also fearful that if there's a layoff, I would be let go because I
> wouldn't be dedicated to one project as I am now.
>
> What's going on in our department that might warrant this position:
>
> 1) We're getting ready to implement a content management system (CMS)
> 2) Starting to train in XML and structured writing
> 3) Possibly hiring new writers to work on new, emerging projects
>
> Since I'm not familiar with XML (although I have single-sourced and
> written some HTML in a previous position) I'm not sure how much of my
> time this will occupy. Is it unrealistic to think that I can still be
> dedicated to a single project and help manage the implementation of a
> CMS and learn XML?
>
> Concerns:
> Will there be enough of me remaining to supervise?
> Does anyone else out there have a position similar to what I'm trying to
> describe?
> Any ideas on what a title for something like this would be?
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