Posted by chdurie2 on November 10, 2000, at 1:00:23
In reply to Re: Why can't I ever remember the lessons I learn????, posted by coral on November 9, 2000, at 21:17:58
> Dear Racer,
> For Heaven's sake, that's not a lesson you need to remember!!!!
>
> I'm working with a client in a tech writing/prod department, filled with employees and sub-contractors who have been whipped into submission by an insensitive, incompetent manager and it is literally costing my client thousands upon thousands of dollars. To give you just a brief example, one sub-contractor working as a proof reader was working from THREE copies, edited by THREE different individuals to make the final to send to the client. As a pro, you can imagine the nightmare that ensued.
> It's not speaking up that's the problem - the way in which you speak up could help the situation or make it worse. However, NOT speaking up makes it worse for you (NOT a good thing) and worse for your client.
> So, dear Racer, please continue to speak up!!! If I can help, please let me know!
>
> Affectionately,
>
> CoralRacer--You have to learn to disagree without being disagreeable! It's an art I'm just beginning to learn. Qualifying everything you say helps ("I may be wrong, but..." - even when you know you're not) Asking rather than telling also helps: "Don't you think the typeface is more readable with two styles rather than one?" Complementing the person on stuff they do right or have the right attitude about before you zonk them with the criticism...stuff like that.
this weekend i went back to a place i haven't worked for a long time. there's a lot of communication via two-way radios, and all weekend, the two bosses kept saying: Caroline said THAT? LIKE THAT? cuz i guess my p-doc has been successful at helping me change my abrasive style. felt good.
hope this helps.
caroline
poster:chdurie2
thread:2434
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001031/msgs/2448.html