The following post is by Christopher Ward, candidate for Vice President in the 2015 STC election.
I receive one email about 20 times a year. The scene changes, but the plot is always the same. Company does a review, decides to cut expenses and drastically reduces, or does away totally with the Technical Communications department.
“The business managers can write the documentation”
I cannot describe in words the level of frustration this ignorant mindset gives me, but I can tell you why it frustrates me. It frustrates me because in every situation, it should not be happening. That move devalues the product, decreases the customer experience, and eventually puts companies in the exact situation they were trying to avoid in the first place. A Technical Communications department is vital to a company’s continued success. If you understand how consumers make purchases and use products, then it is easy to see how a Technical Communication department can add value to companies. Currently, several people in the Society champion this message. When adopted by businesses it prevents downgrading or dismantling. So why is this still happening? Honestly, prepare yourself this is going to sound harsh and unlike a V.P. candidate, where senior level business managers are ignorant in the value of documentation, we are just as ignorant when it comes to explaining that value. STC is a great organization that provides valuable resources, but we do have gaps when it comes to helping members sell the value of documentation. I think we could also do more speaking directly to businesses about that value, so why are we not? I think it is because STC has always only ever focused on the skill sets of Technical Communicators. If we want to fill gaps, then we need change. Not to replace what STC is doing today, but we need change in addition to what we are doing today. This is why I am running. I don’t want to just continue STC’s tradition of excellence, but I want to grow it. Expand it in to different avenues so the organization and its members can have more success. First, I have to show you I can deliver a value message and that I am different. I recently spoke at Tekom, the largest Technical Communications conference in Europe. My reviewers gave me a 5.95 rating on a 6.00 point scale. I have never written a technical document in my career. As a leader I can be the voice for Technical Communicators. I can show how to change mindsets. STC, in addition to all the value it provides, can help an industry show its full value to businesses and organizations and make them realize just how much their success depends on it. To do this, it is going to take change, and change is hard. So here is where I am going to be different. I am going to make this as difficult as I can. I am going to remind you every time we talk, I am not a Technical Communicator. I am going to use headshots that look like they were taken at San Quinton to move you out of your comfort zone. I am going to use phrases like extremely unique until it drives you crazy, but I am not doing this to be cruel. I am doing this because change is hard. You will have to step out of your comfort zone, you will have to revisit your reasons why content is created, you will have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and worse, but most important, you will have to move forward without fully understanding or seeing the plan. Yes, I know that is tough and even tougher for the ones who have it good right now, but by changing, we can fill those gaps and grow. When you vote for me, you know you will be telling the society and most importantly yourself you are willing to change. I promise, it will not be easy, but oh my God it will be fun, exciting and new.
Voting for STC election starts 16 March and ends 6 April. Check out more about election candidates on the STC election site, or ask a question on the election forum.