Feature Article

Teamwork Creates a Positive Working Environment

by Peter Zvalo

In our present economic system, competition is viewed as a positive force. As children, our parents undoubtedly rewarded us for being the best, the fastest, the cleanest, or the smartest. As adults, we learn very quickly that only the best can be successful in a highly competitive world. While this competitive spirit can often help us to perform to our limits, when applied in its purest form within a work environment (i.e., when the competition is not of the friendly variety) it frequently results in hostilities that are counterproductive to producing good results.

In the field of documentation, two key players in the process are writers and editors. Often one person may perform the functions of writer and editor simultaneously, but no writer should take it upon himself/herself to be the final editor of one's own writing. The reason is that no matter how good the author thinks a piece of text is, there is always room for improvement. Only a second (and sometimes a third) set of eyes will be able to objectively point out deficiencies.

Writers and editors must understand what their roles are in relation to each other. Confrontations often arise when one or the other party is on the defensive, takes critical suggestions personally, or feels a need to compete with the other party. There is no doubt that a confrontational approach will not only result in an inferior product, but also cause considerable stress, particularly in a situation where writers and editors work closely together on an ongoing basis.

Creating a positive working environment is simple and rewarding. Writers and editors must stop competing against each other, put aside individual fears, and learn to work in cooperation with each other; in other words, turn confrontation into teamwork. The teamwork approach diminishes anxiety, fosters a better working environment, and contributes to the creation of a better product. Developing such an approach is best achieved when the following elements are present in the relationship:

• There is good communication between writer and editor. This can be best achieved through personal contact. In this way, writers and editors get to know each other on a personal level, something that is valuable in establishing a good working relationship.
• Both people are competent. Writers and editors must respect each other's work and be confident with each other's judgement calls.
• There exists a shared common goal. Writers and editors must share the same goal (i.e., to produce the best possible product) and put personal feelings aside.
• Willingness to negotiate changes. Controversial changes should be discussed and the party in error should concede and be ready to move on.
• Mutual enjoyment. When both the writer and editor enjoy what they are doing, they will approach their work with professionalism. This includes having a sense of humour concerning one's work. (An editor's markup, for example, doesn't always have to take a polite or serious tone.)
• There are established procedures for editing and reviewing documents. Some writers and editors like to meet to discuss the editor's changes; others prefer to simply leave the writer to interpret the editor's comments and make only those changes to which the writer agrees. Whichever approach is agreed on, both sides should stick to the rules as much as possible.

When writers and editors work in partnership, they can make a good team that produces a quality product. When the customer is pleased with the outcome, both the writer and the editor look good. Equally important is the fact that teamwork results in a positive working environment; an environment where people's skills and talents are used to their full potential.