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Subject:Re: Difference between editor and manager From:George Allaman <gallama -at- LOOKOUT -dot- ECTE -dot- USWC -dot- USWEST -dot- COM> Date:Sat, 6 Jan 1996 16:57:02 -0700
On Fri, 5 Jan 1996, David Dubin wrote:
> Patty Ewy asks about the difference between an editor and manager's job roles.
> "who mentors writers?"
> Traditionally, senior writers and editors mentor writers. Managers cannot
> (should not) mentor writers unless they thoroughly understand the
documentation
> process and have a good grasp of communications theory.
Oof. I disagree with one thing. I don't think managers should ever fancy
themselves mentors. Since the manager's job is to judge the employee and
their work, a healthy mentoring relationship is impossible. For instance:
I'm much less likely to display my ignorance if it might affect my chances
for a raise or promotion. But it needs to be displayed so that I can learn.
|George Allaman | |
|Tech Writer | <clever, meaningful |
|Denver, Colorado | quip which somehow |
|Office (303) 624-1619 | summarizes my life |
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|Alternate: georgea -at- csn -dot- net | |
