Re: tracking writer progress on tight deadline?

[Dick Margulis <margulis -at- fiam -dot- net>]

Julie,

Set clear expectations.

First, show them a model topic. Spend a short amount of time with them 
(together or individually) describing WHAT you want (i.e., not HOW to do 
it). For example, if you have an easy-to-complete topic 
outline/template, and if they are at least a little bit familiar with 
things like paragraph styles, you might tell them that you want them to 
use the correct styles and follow the provided outline. If they are 
totally unprepared for that kind of requirement, you might suggest they 
just write the procedures in an email to you. Or something in between. 
You know them; I don't.

Second, tell them WHEN you need the deliverables (spaced out over the 
next week, not all bunched up on day 10). Don't waffle; don't give them 
a soft deadline. Explain what the word _deadline_ means in a publication 
office, as opposed to what it means in an engineering office. (This is a 
Whorfian ambiguity that has sunk many a project; so be explicit).

Third, tell them you are available if they want advice or instructions 
on HOW (to organize the information, use the template, whatever), but 
that you expect them, as professionals, to meet the deadlines you just 
gave them.

Once you've given them their marching orders, relax. Breathe slowly and 
deeply. Stock up on whatever gets you in a good mood (chemical, 
spiritual, whatever), and pitch in. Write as many of the topics yourself 
as you can while you're waiting for the others to start delivering their 
drafts. When the drafts do start rolling in, just make the edits 
yourself and highlight any point you need technical clarification on.

Finally schedule a short vacation for the day after the deadline.

Dick

julie brodeur wrote: