STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
stylethread site home page -> stylethread forum -> career & education -> Advice for giving advice
Post Info TOPIC: Advice for giving advice
pollyjean23


Marc Jacobs

Status: Offline
Posts: 2429
Date:
Advice for giving advice
Permalink Closed

Seeking advice for this situation.  Any ideas?

I work as a career counselor at a college.  Over the years, I have developed a talent and interest in technology and design.  I perform dual roles in my job.  I handle all the
- web content work,
- a lot of technical writing,
- duties as tech-liaison for any tech-vendors we use (job posting website, online interviewing tools, etc.),
- desktop publishing,
- general IT go-to for support and inquiries, etc. for my department. 

I have no formal education in web development, design, writing, etc.  Everything I know is a mix of self-teaching and intuition, save trainings here and there.  Somehow, I manage to fit in a little student services in all of this, all while operating solo at a sattelite campus (that serves apx 9,000 students)! Anyway...

The director of a sister-department within the division (but she also over my boss) has recommended that the counselor/tech-guru who manages the sister-department's website ask me for advice on how to improve her website.  I know this counselor a little bit, not very well.  The request wasn't written explicitly in a begrudgingly way, but I assume that is how she must be feeling. She wrote (para), "over the past year, Jean* has strongly suggested that I contact you to discuss our website."

On top of it, the director expressed no specific concerns about her website, just that she needs to call me.  I think the counselor/tech-guru should ask for specifics from her director, but I don't know what their relationship is like.

Any ideas on how to approach this?  confuse I have a feeling she might be a little sensitive about having to do this.  FWIW, I don't think she has a tech background either, but I am almost positive that she has been working recently on a graduate certificate or degree in instructional technology or instructional development.

I started creating a sheet that contains neutral conditions (things we and she can't control), a space for positive remarks, and a space for my recommendations.  What do you think?  TIA.






__________________

Suasoria


Chanel

Status: Offline
Posts: 3120
Date:
Permalink Closed

It sounds very informal to me - general feedback versus something that you'd need to set up a process for.

If you have insight based on your own site that's worth sharing (like "current students tend to look at XYZ pages but prospective students usually want to access ABC") then that's something you can put in an email. Otherwise I agree, the request was too general to really know what to expect.

__________________
Boots


Gucci

Status: Offline
Posts: 2925
Date:
Permalink Closed

I'd try to approach it informally too. Take a look at her site and make a list of changes that you'd make if it were you planning it. Maybe (if it's feasible) you could meet over coffee to discuss the matter so that it doesn't feel like you are "managing" the other designer. But, for your own career advancement, I'd keep detailed records of everything you do for the project. That way when your review comes up, you will have the details needed to use this project to your advantage. Even if the other designer blows off all your suggestions, you can still show that you gave your best to the project.

Obviously you are well thought of at your job! It's usually a good sign when somebody higher up that your direct boss notices your good work. Way to go!

__________________

Interested in craft beer and wine?  Visit my blog http://downthehatch1.blogspot.com/
greendiamond


Marc Jacobs

Status: Offline
Posts: 2127
Date:
Permalink Closed

Maybe treat it as an exchange of ideas. Let her know you don't have any formal training. Let her know what things have been well received on the site you manage and see where the conversation goes. I agree something informal over coffee would be nice. But it would help to have a computer with you so you could see the sites side by side but most coffee places have wireless.

__________________

-gd
pollyjean23


Marc Jacobs

Status: Offline
Posts: 2429
Date:
Permalink Closed

Thanks, all. We're doing it over the phone.  Your suggestions were helpful.  Thanks.

__________________

Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
stylethread site home page -> stylethread forum -> career & education -> Advice for giving advice
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard