During my annual performance review last week, my manager gave me a few tips to work on (as the format of the review requires). One of his suggestions was to get others to work for me. This advice (somewhat nontraditional), is something I’ve been mulling over for the entire week. I’m convinced that it is probably the best career advice I’ve ever been given. It’s … more »

Last year I started a series on organizing content that spanned nearly 30 posts. I want to return to this thread with a summary of why findability becomes an issue for technical writers, and what the information paradox is that we encounter. Then, in an usual ethical twist, I’ll explain why findability might not actually be an issue. The Documentation Scenario The help scenario starts … more »

In my post on technical writing resolutions, Marcia Johnston commented, “Inspiring. Bravo, Tom, and good luck. Don’t know how you do it all.” I get that last remark a lot, actually. I don’t feel it’s deserved. I don’t do it all … not at all. I let so many important activities slip through the cracks. But let me indulge in a fantasy where that remark … more »

In a world of increasing social media, work, activities, and other obligations, it’s easy for our lives to become quickly cluttered. Just last week an old friend wrote and explained that she was finally listening to some of my podcasts and really enjoyed them. In particular, she listened to the podcast with Ricardo Amigo about technical writing, in which I explain some of the new … more »

Last week I discovered a technique for increasing productivity at work. It’s so simple it’s almost funny, but it is working. I tore up an index card into 10 little squares, numbering them one through ten. In the morning, before I launch into the work of the day, I write down the top ten tasks I want to accomplish for that day. As I finish … more »

Surfing the Web During Work Boosts Productivity | Shanghai Tech Writer.

A couple of weeks ago I started listing all of my to-do’s in Outlook. Soon the list grew so long that I felt I would never be able to do it all. We all lead extremely busy lives. We have goals, commitments, and an almost endless amount of tasks to complete. Are there any productivity tips that work for you? Here’s how my friends on … more »

Ever since I moved to Eagle Mountain, I’ve been carpooling with a colleague who picks me up at 5:30 a.m. This means I wake up at 4:45 a.m. to start getting ready. We roll in to work at 6:30 a.m. — long before the secretary comes in to turn on the lights. In the early morning, I enjoy watching the sun rise slowly over the … more »

The Lazy Man’s Guide to Getting Things Done | Zen Habits.

Exclusive Lifehacker Interview: Debunking The Myth of Multitasking.