Breaking the News

How to tell your client the truth even when a project isn't working out as planned.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1995). Careers>Freelance>Consulting

Calling for Backup

Writers, of course, seldom find themselves in life-and-death situations. However, the way in which a writing project is managed can often mean the difference between a project’s failure and success. For writers managing a project, obtaining backup consists of two issues: making sure someone can continue your work if something prevents you from doing so yourself; and knowing how to get help when you can’t keep your head above water.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1995). Articles>Writing>Workflow

Creating the Right Image Doesn't End with the Signing of a Contract

Helpful hints on how writers can create a positive first impression with clients.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1996). Careers>Consulting>Communication

Eureka! The Importance of Good Science Writing

Today, society is large and scientific experiments across the world are carried out by people who are usually hidden from public view. So much of what scientists do affects our daily lives, yet most people remain largely unaware of how scientists use their (mostly public) funding, and how their work affects them. Good science writing helps us understand what scientists around the world are up to.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (2002). Articles>Scientific Communication

Eureka! The Relationship of Good Science Writing to Risk Communication  

A look at the importance of science writing in helping the public to understand issues that affect our daily lives so that we can make informed decisions concerning risk.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (2005). Articles>Scientific Communication>Risk Communication

Finding the Time: When Deadlines Are Looming, Prioritizing Your Work Gets the Job Done

Professional people today work longer and harder than ever before. Find out how to make the most of a scarce resource—time.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1997). Articles>Writing

Good Communication Is More than Just Good Writing

Writers can be good at writing, but lousy at communicating verbally. These tips will help you communicate better with your clients—and instill clients with confidence in your real strengths.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1996). Careers>Consulting>Communication

The Juggling Act: A Manager's Artform

Handling multiple priorities, coordinating the efforts of various teams, and ensuring that different projects remain under control are essential to survival in a climate of resource limitation and fast-paced change. I could talk about tips on staying organized, how to deal with uncooperative or under-producing staff, fixing problem situations, handling irate clients, re-working schedules while maintaining key deliverables in the middle of a project, ensuring a team functions as it should—but these are really textbook concepts. There are a hundred courses that teach the latest techniques for handling these situations. Anyone can learn to be a good manager to some degree; the key is wanting to be one and putting yourself in the right frame of mind.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1996). Careers>Management>Writing

Making the Grade: Managers' Tips for Performing Staff Evaluations

Evaluations should be used to take a look at the overall picture, to review where an employee has been in terms of professional development, and to get an idea of where he or she is headed. By doing that, you can provide your staff with valuable advice and guidance. They will be able to grow, both professionally and personally, and you will have a much more effective member of your team. Carrying out an evaluation properly is not easy. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of the experience.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1995). Careers>Management>Writing

Reviewing a Technical Writer's Performance

Helpful tips for managers on reviewing the work of a technical writer.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1996). Careers>Management>Writing

What They Want Is What They Need

Is the customer always right? My uncle Fred would argue that in the microcosm of neighbourhood corner store management the customer had better be always right, or you won't have your corner store for very long. He also knew, however, that regardless of his philosophical approach towards running his business, a lot of his customers who were supposedly right didn't have a clue as to what they were complaining about...but he'd never tell them that.

Holland, Anton. Writer's Block (1995). Careers>Business Communication>Workflow