This week’s update is supported by Platinum sponsor Madcap & Flare 7 | goo.gl/pg2HQ
Some say these updates are dropped on the owners doorsteps by the same fairies that run the email archiving system, and that the date on their computer is actually a sundial. All we know, it’s called the TechWhirler Update.
> De*ci*sion: A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration; or the action or process of deciding something or of resolving a question.
The high level decision making process can be summed up as think; then act. Yes, there are certain times when quick decisions require almost split second actions like when a truck comes into your lane on the Interstate and you quickly swerve to avoid it. However, most of us can agree that if an accident was avoided the positive outcome was mostly luck and quick reflexes rather than a good decision making process. And, yes also true that think; then act can be complimented by fleshing the structure more with collecting information, analyzing the info, developing options and testing those options. And still, while your approach may be more thorough it doesn’t guarantee a good outcome, but it certainly reduces the chances of a ridiculously bad outcome.
From put your tongue on the flag pole double-dog dares, to the blow-hard executive who wants to make a mark by changing “everything” on the second day of work – bad decisions because think; then act isn’t followed are everywhere. They’re here @ TechWhirl as Al tries to jump into some redesign work without doing the full requirements and due diligence. And they’re probably stamped on a lot of our careers.
At this point, we may have touched a nerve – how goes that decision making process in your career? Is it a shining example of good or bad decision-making – or – is it somewhere in between? We started this week with the SWU’s own Mike McCallister’s piece Book Authoring 101 (goo.gl/ZMTpW), polled on What is the Biggest Mistake You’ve made during a job search (taking the wrong job and geez I don’t want to say are neck and neck) and finished strong with our classic piece So You Want to Get Paid on Time? by Alice E. Fugate (goo.gl/yK7QO).
The Special Writers Unit is working hard to put together great articles to finish Career Decisions & Transitions month strong. Because, hey, we want your readership to be one of the best decisions you make each week. We’re going to end this little piece quicker than normal because we’re running late for put a penny in a light socket competition happening downtown.
Some of that Social Media Stuff:
Are you are Facebook Friend? Would you like to be – no charge – guaranteed to make all people on the list above average | http://goo.gl/tDrW7
Want all this TechWhirl goodness 140 characters @ a time | http://goo.gl/itjDg
What You’re Talking About
Quick shout outs to our Tech Writers and their discussions:
- Craig Cardimon lit up the list when he posted a link to Andrea Altenburg’s blog post on “Tips on How to talk to SME’s”, a perennial favorite topics where advice ranges from team-building and relationship management to the best methods to bribe or coax your SME into spilling everything worth spilling.
- Monique Semp is gathering opinions on whether the term “aka” is commonly understood. No consensus yet, but we are debating whether it’s even appropriate for the circumstance she describes.
In Case You Missed it: This Week @ TechWhirl
- New: “Book Authoring 101” by Mike McCallister | goo.gl/ZMTpW
- Classic: “So You Want to Get Paid On Time? Here’s How to Make It Happen” by Alice E. Fugate | goo.gl/yK7QO
- Poll question: Biggest mistake made during a job search? | Techwhirl.com
Upcoming Events & Articles
- New: ‘Top 10 Ways to a Terrible Workplace” by Cheryl Voloshin
- Classic: “Get More Interviews with a T-Letter” by Tom Murrell
- Poll question: Most important quality in a manager
SPONSOR-Luv
We want to send a very special “thank you” to sponsors. Without them, we’d only have a light socket …
Platinum: Adobe, ComponentOne, Madcap
Gold: EC Software, Society for Technical Communication (STC)
Silver: Vancouver Island University
> Competition went well, we came in second but we now feel all tingly inside
