Engineering the Future of Human Communicators: Working Outside of the Documentation Box –Another Way IPCC 2007 Engineering the Future of Human Communicators:

IPCC 2007

Engineering the Future of Human Engineering the Future of Human Communicators: Communicators: Working Outside of Working Outside of the Documentation Box –Another Waythe Documentation Box –Another Way

Presented byPresented byJudith M. HerrJudith M. HerrWell Chosen WordsWell Chosen Wordshttp://wellchosenwords.info/

October 3, 2007IPCC 2007 Judith Herr/Well Chosen Words 2

Bump – Bump - Bump: Another Way?Bump – Bump - Bump: Another Way?

“Here is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. It is, as far as he knows, the only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it. And then he feels that perhaps there isn’t.” Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne, 1926


Overview Overview “The Encouraging Exercise”© Matching current skills, experience,

training to potential workExamples for researchers and

academics, practitioners, and studentsSuccessful transitions


Beyond documentation Beyond documentation

Supporting the war effort required Supporting the war effort required investment in training.investment in training.


Inventory: We know how to…Inventory: We know how to…

Communicate effectivelyFerret out the messageAnalyze audiencesSelect tools and innovateManage projects, teams, and the bossLead, persuade, cajole, charm, collaborate –

foster teamwork – balance high tech/high touch – embrace change!



Communicate effectively; Communicate effectively; manage efficientlymanage efficientlyCorporate handbooks; procedures;

technical documentsHandbooks and manuals Management, quality, and safety plans Client and corporate web sitesProposals and marketing materialsPresentations – design, coach, deliver



Inventory: We know how to…Inventory: We know how to… Ferret out and shape the messageFerret out and shape the messageReflect industry standards,

corporate/ product knowledgeInterview scientists and engineersProject “big picture,” achieve objectives,

encompass technical scopeWhen the schedule slips…


Inventory: We know how to…Inventory: We know how to… Analyze AudiencesAnalyze Audiences

Demographics, expertise, motivation Small group dynamicsHonor and reflect cultural differencesSenior management style & buy-in?



[[Garment ManufacturerGarment Manufacturer] ] Global Restricted Global Restricted Substances ListSubstances List

GRSL COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING

Internal Document

Winter 2002 - 2003


Inventory: We know how to…Inventory: We know how to… Select tools and actionsSelect tools and actionsBroadcast email; blog, listserv, forum;

knowledge mgmt. tools; webinairesPresentations & workgroup sessionsHardcopy newsletters; brown bag

seminarsVolunteer projects; events


Manage projects, teams, and bossesManage projects, teams, and bosses

Project NewsletterProject Newsletter


Manage Projects. Teams, and BossesManage Projects. Teams, and Bosses

Strategies for managing upStrategies for managing up

1. Apply expertise in use of high tech tools2. Information capture, mapping, editing3. Do the “dirty and silly work” too4. Sell tech. comm. – revenue producers5. Interview, design, write mass media copy


Manage projects, teams, and bossesManage projects, teams, and bosses

Strategies for managing upStrategies for managing up

6. Detail-oriented, intensive, quick turnaround team efforts

7. Training and motivation8. Audience analysis, PR, and grasp of

corporate culture9. Honed assertiveness skills from dealing

with SMEs10. Community literacy outreach


Beyond documentation Beyond documentation Managing to Win: Preparing Proposals 101Managing to Win: Preparing Proposals 101©©

Flow Chart of the Proposal ProcessFlow Chart of the Proposal Process



Proposal Team at WorkProposal Team at Work


Manage projects, teams, and bossesManage projects, teams, and bosses : : System Architects and High School System Architects and High School StudentsStudents



Lead, persuade, cajole, charm, collaborate Lead, persuade, cajole, charm, collaborate ……Lead, persuade, cajole,

charm, collaborate -- foster teamwork -- balance high tech/high touch – embrace change!

As Staff or Volunteer… Professional association Chamber of Commerce 4-H projects for fair Post Katrina effort



Analyze project requirements/audiences Multi-task Interview subject matter experts Conduct reviews Coordinate all stages of projects Design information to satisfy requirements Write, edit, coordinate, produce/distribute See the humor in the ironic Tell our powerful story!

The Bottom of the Stairs: All you The Bottom of the Stairs: All you need is energy, enthusiasm, and need is energy, enthusiasm, and ability toability to


Beyond documentation?Beyond documentation?

Audience…

Additional opportunities?

Successful transitions?

Lessons learned?


Setting out … Setting out …

Before beginning a long and arduous journey…

The prudent traveler The less meticulous traveler The desperate traveler – bold, vulnerable, and

determinedEven the Stars Look Lonesome, Maya Angelou

Documents

Engineering the Future of Human Communicators: Working Outside of the Documentation Box –Another Way IPCC 2007 Engineering the Future of Human Communicators: