Building a More Effective Documentation Group  

Suggests ten ways that managers of technical communicators can make their departments more efficient, effective, and valuable to their companies.

Smith, Susan E. Intercom (2003). Careers>Management>Documentation

Documentation Team Leadership in the 1990s  

In the 1990s, product life cycles are short, technology is ever-advancing, work environments are fast-paced, and there is an ongoing agenda to cut costs. This environment requires documentation teams to accomplish more faster with fewer personnel resources These requirements have redefined the roles and responsibilities of technical writers and documentation team leaders. Leadership skills have become critical to the overall success of documentation teams Critical leadership skills include appropriately implementing situational leadership, working effectively with people who have diverse working and social styles, and participating in ongoing role negotiations.

Muench, Barbara S. STC Proceedings (1995). Careers>Documentation>Management

Five Questions to Ask Yourself While Creating a New Documentation Department

Being asked to take the reins of a brand new documentation department is a challenge that many professional technical writers relish, even though the training and development activities they participated in may never have prepared them for such a rewarding challenge. This article looks at forming a new documentation department and determining what's needed, when it's needed and what resources are available to help the new department carry out its mission.

Butow, Eric. Writing Assistance (2006). Careers>Management>Documentation>Technical Writing

Management Activities for Achieving Organizational Change and Improvement  

Viewing your documentation or training group as a business entity is an important first step toward enabling organizational change and improvement. The actual business status of your organization - a company unto itself a profit center in a larger company, or a cost center in a larger company - matters not. It’s your view of things that will put you on the road to operating your group as a business.

Currie, Cynthia C. and Thomas J. Vallone. STC Proceedings (1996). Careers>Documentation>Management

Managing the Communication "Process": The Emerging Role of Technical Writers and Documentation Managers  

Current trends in Corporate America are changing the traditional role of technical communicators and creating new challenges and opportunities. Re-engineering the corporation, Total Quality Management, ISO 9000 compliance, and the continuing onslaught of the Information Age are all bringing formally 'invisible' technical communications functions into the limelight. It's not just writing and editing any more! As communication professionals and managers we need to upgrade skills and re-focus our efforts to become 'information managers.'

Anton, Kathy and Teresa J. Tarwater. STC Proceedings (1994). Careers>Management>Documentation>Technical Writing

Raising Your Documentation Team's Visibility

Whether the documentation department has a staff of one or a team of 12, visibility within the company is a frequent concern. The reasons for this concern range from personal to professional. You want to be remembered when promotions and bonuses are handed out.

Potsus, Whitney Beth. Writing Assistance (2006). Careers>Management>Documentation>Workplace

Starting and Maintaining A Documentation Department – Concepts, Principles, and Techniques  

This paper includes information about how to assess business needs, establish credibility, build the department, understand the product life cycle and development practices, and successfully maintain a documentation department in a global work environment. It includes innovative, creative, and original management concepts, tasks, principles, and techniques for working with diversity for newly promoted managers, managers new to a company, and for seasoned managers to ensure success or continued success managing documentation.

Storey, Sandy and Peter J. Hartman. STC Proceedings (2001). Careers>Management>Documentation