Insights into Technical Writing Management

When you obtain proven technical writing skills and expertise, a time may come when you’re ready for a managerial role. In addition to crafting advanced technical copy, you may be ready to oversee not only yourself but other writers. 

This is a big transition that can add new responsibilities, skills, and communication methods to your day-to-day work, but it’s highly rewarding. If you want insights into writing management and leadership, this blog is for you.

TYPES OF TECHNICAL WRITING MANAGER ROLES

There are a few general scenarios you might face when ascending to writing manager. Whether you’re moving up into management at a large company or small business, you should know the leadership skills required of a great manager.

BEING A TECHNICAL WRITING MANAGER AT A LARGE COMPANY

You might be promoted to a senior technical writer at a large company where you’ll be tasked with training junior writers. You’re also potentially becoming a documentation manager overseeing the entire department, where team members come to you with supporting material and continual updates of essential technical content. 

MANAGING WRITERS IN A SMALL BUSINESS

As the sole technical writer of a small business, you may need to advocate for additional staff to assist in managing content and subsequently oversee their output.

Regardless of the path, managing others' output necessitates a shift in focus. You must develop a comprehensive understanding of the technical writing process within your company, including its intersection with company politics and knowledge of other departments' personnel and processes.

ARE YOU A LEADER OR A MANAGER?

There’s a key difference between managers and leaders: 

• Managers administer the business and maintain necessary boundaries.
• Leaders innovate and push boundaries when necessary. 

Managers prioritize day-to-day operations versus projecting a vision for the future. They consider the 'how' and 'when' versus the leader’s 'why. Additionally, managers obsess over timely delivery, whereas leaders commit to delivering better. 

While managers focus on details, leaders paint the larger picture. In technical writing and communication, managers require delivery, while leaders inspire it.

EFFECTIVE TECHNICAL WRITING MANAGEMENT

Successful technical writing groups necessitate both leadership and management. While management ensures timely and precise content production, leadership inspires new ideas that push the industry forward. 

Managing a documentation department involves:

• Determining tasks and deadlines
• Creating task charts for progress tracking
• Assessing staffing needs and skills
• Selecting appropriate tools and processes
• Interacting with other departments

Your role will be vital to the overall success of your technical content team and the company as a whole. 

KNOW YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE

Adopting different management styles is crucial for effective leadership. As a manager, you have one or more of the following “management styles”:

• Hands-On: for writers needing close supervision
• Hands-Off: for independent writers
• Scout Leader: for delegation and collaboration
• Patron: for representing the department's interests
• Air Traffic Controller: for task assignment and coordination

These approaches complement, rather than replace, effective leadership.

TECHNICAL WRITING MANAGEMENT TODAY

Leadership transcends task management, inspiring the best performance from writers despite challenges. Transitioning into a leader requires introspection and vision creation. Defining a vision involves aligning with organizational objectives and incorporating personal touches. Effective communication of the vision energizes the team and fosters personal ownership.

TECHNICAL WRITING MANAGEMENT TODAY

Technical writers now manage content and information, beyond traditional documentation roles. Users seek information through various channels, necessitating adaptability. Technical writers have the opportunity to move into content and knowledge management, understanding content's broader organizational role.

ADVANCING YOUR TECHNICAL WRITING CAREER

Whether you’re an experienced technical writer, a technical writing manager, or a business leader, your roles and abilities are constantly changing. To advance your career in all of its different phases, turn to the technical writing advice from Hire a Writer.