Strategies for Technical Writers to Help Engineers Overcome Writing Anxiety and Improve Collaboration

Core Concepts

Technical writers can help engineers overcome their fear of writing by providing supportive review processes, offering writing assistance, and addressing biases in the review process.

Abstract

The article discusses the common causes of "writing anxiety" or "writing apprehension" that many engineers experience, and how technical writers can help overcome these challenges.
The key points are:

Language is subjective and ever-evolving, and there is no truly "correct" way to write, which can cause stress and fear of making mistakes for engineers.

Common causes of writing anxiety include: previous bad experiences with harsh critiques, limited resources (time, energy, support), conflicting priorities, fear of judgment from coworkers, and lack of clear content to write.

Additional causes include lack of confidence in written language, especially for non-native English speakers, and fear of discriminatory critiques, especially for marginalized people.

To help non-native English speakers, the article suggests:

Explaining why you're confused about something and describing your expectations
Asking them to explain content verbally and transcribing it
Providing templates and examples to reduce the need for formatting
To address bias in the review process, the article recommends relying on resources that discuss unlearning racism and bias in technical writing, as well as expanding one's cultural literacy beyond just technical expertise.
Overall, the article emphasizes the need for technical writers to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment to help engineers overcome their writing anxiety and improve collaboration.

Stats

"Writing is not only subjective and ever-evolving, it's also judged based on further subjective rulesets. By its nature, language can never be truly correct. There is no right or wrong answer."
"Overly harsh critiques or demands make writing joyless. Limited resources like time and energy, especially during a hectic product cycle, don't allow an engineer to sit down and consider what they've made."
"Many speak and write English 'better' than native English speakers. In the context of these suggestions, I'm focusing on non-native English speakers who do not write professionally."

Quotes

"[D]o not make assumptions about the quality of a paper based on the authors' names and affiliations."
"You are a reviewer — not an editor. Focus on the research. If the English is so poor you cannot review the paper or provide feedback on the science, tell the editor so that they can decide how to proceed."
"If the paper is not written in sound English, it is OK to correct grammatical errors and help improve the writing. But remember that you are not a martyr or the savior of people who did not grow up speaking English. Be kind."

Key Insights Distilled From

Why are engineers scared of tech writers?

by Jess Schalz at grem.medium.com 04-25-2024

https://grem.medium.com/why-are-engineers-scared-of-tech-writers-b979c05035f8

Deeper Inquiries

How can technical writers foster a culture of psychological safety to encourage open communication and feedback between engineers and writers?

Technical writers can foster a culture of psychological safety by creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment for engineers to express their thoughts and ideas. This can be achieved by:

Encouraging open communication: Technical writers should actively listen to engineers, validate their concerns, and create space for them to share their writing without fear of criticism.

Providing constructive feedback: Instead of focusing on mistakes, technical writers should offer feedback that is constructive, specific, and focused on improvement. This helps build trust and confidence in the writing process.

Establishing clear guidelines: Setting clear expectations and guidelines for writing projects can help alleviate anxiety and uncertainty for engineers. This includes providing templates, examples, and resources to support their writing efforts.

Promoting a growth mindset: Encouraging engineers to view writing as a skill that can be developed over time can help reduce fear and anxiety. Technical writers can offer support and resources for continuous learning and improvement.

By creating a culture of psychological safety, technical writers can empower engineers to communicate effectively and collaborate more seamlessly in the writing process.

How can technical writers address implicit biases that may arise during the technical writing review process?

To address implicit biases in the technical writing review process, technical writers can implement the following strategies:

Self-awareness: Technical writers should reflect on their own biases and assumptions that may influence their feedback. By acknowledging and understanding their biases, they can work towards mitigating their impact on the review process.

Diversity training: Participating in diversity and inclusion training can help technical writers recognize and address implicit biases. This training can provide tools and strategies for promoting fairness and equity in the review process.

Peer review: Seeking feedback from colleagues or diverse perspectives can help identify and challenge implicit biases. Collaborating with others can offer different viewpoints and insights that contribute to a more objective review process.

Use of inclusive language: Technical writers should be mindful of the language they use in their feedback to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or marginalizing certain groups. Using inclusive language promotes a more welcoming and respectful environment for all writers.

By actively addressing implicit biases, technical writers can ensure a fair and equitable review process that values diverse perspectives and contributions.

How can technical writers leverage their unique position to advocate for more inclusive and equitable language practices within their organizations?

Technical writers can leverage their unique position to advocate for more inclusive and equitable language practices by:

Educating colleagues: Technical writers can raise awareness about the importance of inclusive language and its impact on communication. By sharing resources, best practices, and examples, they can help colleagues understand the value of using language that is respectful and inclusive.

Collaborating with diversity and inclusion teams: Technical writers can partner with diversity and inclusion teams within their organizations to develop guidelines and resources for promoting inclusive language practices. By working together, they can create a more supportive and inclusive work environment.

Leading by example: Technical writers can model inclusive language in their own writing and communication. By demonstrating the use of inclusive language, they set a positive example for others to follow and encourage a culture of inclusivity within the organization.

Advocating for change: Technical writers can advocate for policy changes or initiatives that promote inclusive language practices within their organizations. By speaking up and advocating for diversity and equity, they can help drive positive change and create a more inclusive workplace culture.

By leveraging their expertise and influence, technical writers can play a crucial role in advocating for more inclusive and equitable language practices within their organizations.