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Performance Pointers Archives

Showing The Ropes - a review

Someone to give advice on how to avoid the common pitfalls of people management, how to gain influence in their organization without having much formal authority, and how to effectively corral the tools and resources their team needs to function successfully. Of course, this almost never happens. Instead, like ‘parenting’, ‘managing a team (of writers)’ somehow is supposed to come naturally to those it is thrust upon. And, of course, it almost never does.

Richard Hamilton has succeeded in coming up with a book that - quite effectively, and covering a wide range of topics - answers this ubiquitous question. In a very real sense, Richard’s book is the voice of experience and wisdom that should have been made available when you first got the promotion…

The topics are covered in three main sections of the book: Managing People, Managing Projects, and Managing Technology. Because my field of practice focuses primarily on human performance, I paid particular attention to the material in the first section. And frankly, I was very pleasantly surprised with the overall eminent practicality and applicability of his advice. Richard clearly writes with the authentic voice of battle-hardened experience. Reading between the lines of the examples he provides as case studies, it’s obvious he’s “been there, done that.” He’s made his mistakes, learned the hard way, and with this book, he’s sharing the accumulated wisdom of decades of operational line management.

Refreshingly, Richard doesn’t succumb to the gimmick of “10 Easy Steps to Becoming a Great Manager”. No flavor-of-the-month management theories, no arrogant top-down definitions. In all, his approach is a common-sense one, full of practical tips and insightful advice. He’s also researched the topics he writes about extensively, particularly in the sections on Projects and Technology.

This unassuming little book (238 pages, plus templates and index) is a MUST-READ for new and existing managers of technical communication teams. For the price, $24.95, it is a steal; an absolute treasure-trove of valuable information. Trust me; you will go back to it again and again. And it will make you a better and more effective manager.

NOTE: The expression “Showing someone the ropes” dates from the era of the tall ships - the great ocean-going vessels powered by wind and sail. To sail such a large ship, it was essential to know which rope led to which sail, and when to tighten or loosen the ropes to increase speed and correct course, and to stay safe in a raging storm.

The title of this review, then, is entirely appropriate. Well done, Richard.

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