Breathe Through Your Teeth....

by Maxine Higgenbotham, Member

That was David Lanners' advice on how to manage expectations. David Lanners, a graduate of Harvard, spoke to the members at the September meeting about Project Management and how the term 'manager' differs from the term 'leader.' Before his presentation, the following announcements were made:

• Mel Houghton announced the Fort Worth Satellite meeting on September 28th. Panelists Becky Smith and Kathlyn Johnson will discuss their contracting experiences, including the benefits and disadvantages of contracting.
• Ann Balaban announced that the Dallas BEST competition is coming up on October 21st. They are looking for volunteers to judge the notebook portion of the competition. To volunteer, contact Ann Balaban, annb@ti.com.
• Cynthia Boyd from the Nonprofit Service Center of Tarrant County (NSC) talked to the meeting attendees about volunteer opportunities, as well. By volunteering their technical communication skills to the center, Lone Star chapter members can help the community, help the chapter meet community service requirements, and build their own resumes all at the same time! To find out about volunteer opportunities, contact Ann Blound, nscconsulting@sbcglobal.net.
• Maxine Higginbotham announced an opportunity for chapter members to help support breast cancer research. Under the team name STC Lone Star Community, the chapter will join the Race for the Cure® 5K CO-ED Family Fun Run/Walk on Sat. Oct. 16th. For more information, go to www.komen-dallas.org. It's not too late to register as an Individual.
• Bob Brown also reminded members that the deadline for submissions to the Technical Communications competition was looming-October 1st.

Delores Elder-Jones, from Richland College presented Judy Glick-Smith with a plaque, t-shirt, and mug for her outstanding contributions as an educator. Judy is leaving the Lone Star Community for the Atlanta Chapter.

Louellen Coker presented Judy and another departing member, Gail Lippincott, with flower bouquets.

After dinner, Mr. Lanners spoke to the meeting attendees. His key to project management is to first manage expectations. If you tell the requesting party the flaws of the requested project - time, resources, etc., they will be much happier with the end product than if you said, "No problem" in the beginning. Soften the pain of your initial reaction with explanations about why the request is a demanding one. Your knowledgeable explanations will show your experience, which is important in today's business environment as companies outsource jobs. As Mr. Lanners said, "It's better to be employable than employed."

Mr. Lanners then discussed the differences between being a "Manager" and being a "Leader." Managers are rational, detached, and reactive. Meanwhile, leaders are emotional, involved, and active—leadership is an emotional quality. Project management is a bridge to becoming a leader. By becoming leaders, we can change the way technical writing is done and change the way people think about technical writing.