"face time" at the office

[Al Geist]

Stuart Burnfield wrote:

>Let's assume for a moment that this is a useful analogy for mapping out 
a tech writing career.

Does a team of sled dogs operate effectively when every dog is a lead 
dog, presumably spread out shoulder by shoulder across the track? How 
about when each dog is clawing over the dog in front trying to get to 
the lead?

Or does the team operate effectively when each dog is pulling its weight 
in its assigned position?

Is the purpose of a sledding to give each dog a pleasing, ever-changing 
vista?

Al? I defer to your superior knowledge in this area.<


Having never been a sled dog, but having mushed a number of teams from the
back of a sled, I can say with all honesty, that the musher (or team leader)
often has the worst view. With that said, the team works best when all
members work effectively at their assigned positions; however, a good team
is cross-trained to work at most, if not all, of the positions-from wheel
dog (the ones nearest the sled) to the leaders (whether that be the trail
leader or the gee/haw leader). A trail leader has the knack for finding the
way when all the markers are invisible. The gee/haw leader is best at
following the musher's commands.  By moving positions, the dogs also do not
get bored.

So, to answer Stuart's question. The best team is one made up of members
that can adapt to varying conditions and positions, without loosing sight of
the goal.  Each member of the team has a specialty, but can readily jump in
any of the other positions if the need arises. It is the job of the team
leader (the musher) to keep everything moving, instilling discipline when
needed, praise when warranted, mentoring the younger members, etc.



Al Geist
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