How can you manage a writing team without being an expert?

1 Define the goals and expectations

The first step to managing a writing team is to clearly define the goals and expectations of the project or assignment. What is the purpose, audience, tone, and format of the writing? What are the deadlines, milestones, and deliverables? How will the quality and performance of the writing be measured and evaluated? By setting these parameters upfront, you can avoid confusion, misunderstanding, and conflict among your team members and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3 Communicate and collaborate

The third step is to communicate and collaborate with your team members throughout the writing process. You don't need to be an expert in the content or style of the writing, but you do need to be an active listener, a supportive coach, and a respectful partner. You can use various tools and platforms to communicate and collaborate with your team, such as email, chat, video call, document sharing, project management, and feedback systems. By doing this, you can keep track of the progress and challenges of your team, provide guidance and assistance when needed, and encourage input and feedback from your team.

5 Recognize and reward

The fifth step is to recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of your team members after completing or publishing the writing. You don't need to be an expert in the impact or value of the writing, but you do need to be a grateful and generous leader, a sincere and specific praiser, and a fair and flexible rewarder. You can use various ways and means to recognize and reward your team members, such as giving feedback, appreciation, recognition, incentives, bonuses, promotions, or opportunities. By doing this, you can boost the morale and motivation of your team and foster a culture of excellence and loyalty.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step is to learn and improve from the experience and feedback of managing a writing team. You don't need to be an expert in the art or science of writing, but you do need to be a curious and humble learner, a reflective and adaptive improver, and a proactive and innovative developer. You can use various sources and resources to learn and improve your skills and knowledge of writing and managing a writing team, such as reading, researching, attending, networking, mentoring, or coaching. By doing this, you can enhance your competence and confidence as a writing team manager and prepare yourself for future challenges and opportunities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?