How can you work with a manager who doesn't understand the writing process?

Imagine you're painting a picture, and your boss is someone who loves looking at art but doesn't know how to paint. It's like teaching them how to mix colors and sketch an outline. You'd show them step-by-step, explaining how each stroke adds detail, just like each stage of writing adds to the story. You might bring in paintings to show what good art looks like , that's like sharing your best writing to explain how a process made it great. Sometimes, you'd ask them to join in, maybe add a brushstroke or two, so they can feel the joy of creating. It's about making them understand the joy and effort that goes into making a beautiful piece of art, much like the effort in crafting a well-written story.

Demand trust; but explain how you’ll get there. It’s frequent that I work with writers who want my complete trust. However, it’s only after I’m super impressed with their process that I blindly trust them. So be communicative.

??Working with a manager who doesn't fully understand the writing process can present challenges, but there are strategies to navigate this situation effectively. ??Clearly communicate the writing process, explaining key steps and timelines.Use straightforward language to convey the importance of each stage in the writing process. ??Share examples of successful writing projects to illustrate effective communication. ??Use real-world examples to highlight the impact of well-executed writing.

Navigating a situation where your manager doesn't understand the writing process can be challenging. It might help to communicate your process clearly, explaining the steps involved and the time needed. Offer to share drafts or examples to illustrate your approach. Patience and open communication could bridge the gap and help your manager better comprehend and support your writing efforts.

Start by defining your goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve with your writing? What is the purpose of your content? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you stay focused and on track throughout the writing process. Before you start writing, take the time to research your topic thoroughly. This will help you build a strong foundation for your content and ensure that it is accurate and informative. Create a detailed outline. An outline will help you organize your thoughts and structure your content. It will also make the writing process easier and more efficient. Write a strong introduction. Make sure it is clear, concise, and engaging. Write a strong conclusion. Make sure it is clear, concise, and impactful.

??Working with a manager who doesn't fully understand the writing process can be tackled by negotiating deadlines ??Establish clear expectations regarding timelines, revisions, and feedback. ??Clearly outline the necessary resources and information needed for successful writing projects.

Be realistic about your timeline. Don't set yourself up for failure by agreeing to an unrealistic deadline. Be honest with your manager about how much time you need to produce high-quality content. Break your project down into smaller tasks. This will make the project seem less daunting and more manageable. It will also help you stay on track and avoid procrastination. Set milestones for yourself. This will help you track your progress and stay motivated. Communicate regularly with your manager. Keep your manager updated on your progress and let them know if you need any help. This will help build trust and rapport and make it more likely that they will be flexible with your deadlines.

My team member, who we trained recently joined a full time position where her manager had no idea about how SEO writing works. The only solution here was to educate them manager based on case studies and working strategies. The sad part is, many managers may not take it openly and not trust you initially but show them results and they will start listening to you!

??Lack of knowledge is the prior reason why manager don't understand the writing process ??Eplain the importance of editing and revisions in the writing process. ??Demonstrate how refining content contributes to improved clarity and impact. ??Offer Training Opportunities:Suggest training or workshops on writing skills for the manager. ??Provide resources or recommend external courses that can enhance their understanding.

Find out what your manager's expectations are. What do they want to see in your writing? What are their priorities? Once you know what your manager's expectations are, you can tailor your writing to meet their needs. Share your writing process with your manager. This will help them understand how you work and what goes into creating a high-quality piece of content. Be patient. It may take time for your manager to understand the writing process and appreciate your work. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, you will see results.

Find a mentor or writing coach. A mentor or writing coach can provide you with guidance, support, and accountability. They can also help you identify areas where you can improve your writing. Join a writing group. A writing group can provide you with a community of like-minded writers who can offer support, feedback, and encouragement. Attend writing workshops or conferences. Writing workshops and conferences can provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts, network with other writers, and get feedback on your work. Read books and articles about writing. There are many helpful books and articles available that can teach you about the writing process and how to improve your writing skills.

It's okay to feel frustrated. It's normal to feel frustrated when you're working with a manager who doesn't understand the writing process. However, it's important to manage your emotions and not let them get the best of you. Talk to someone you trust. If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or other trusted individual. They can offer you support and help you develop strategies for managing your emotions.

Context: I write B2B SaaS content I've held day-long workshops for people/stakeholders within a company to show them the entire writing process. Sometimes, it's honestly just unclear to people who don't write the amount of steps that go into creating a piece of content. Once they see each step, it becomes so much more clear that setting a 24-hour deadline for a really great thought-leadership piece is super unrealistic. Or, as a lot of people have said to me, "Oh, that seems like you could do that in a couple of hours, right???"

Maintain open and regular communication with your manager. Keep them informed about your progress, challenges, and any support you may need. Regular updates create transparency and build trust in your ability to handle the writing process.