Express Corporate Authority
express corporate authority
Co-Author’s Challenge: Defining and Refining Your Work Relationship
We have the same goals and values and, since we come from hard-working families, aren’t phased by long hours. Our book is coming together nicely and, as this happens, our work relationship gets stronger.
We work on our book and our relationship. Courtesy is a big part of this relationship. Though we have different skills and experiences, we express our views tactfully. Honesty factors into our relationship as well. If my co-author asks for my opinion, I express it in words that won’t damage our relationship.
The American Association of Family Practice (AAFP) has posted work tips on its website, “Seven Characteristics of Successful Work Relationships.” The article was written for physicians, yet it may be applied to all work relationships. The characteristics are trust, diversity, mindfulness, interrelatedness, respect, varied interaction and effective communication.
To foster good communication my co-author and I meet weekly. At the end of the meeting, each of us has a homework list. No angry words are spoken, no egos flare, no territory is defended. We respect each other and my co-author has become a dear friend. I wish every co-author could have this experience.
Peter Vogt examines work relationships in his Comcast website article, “Build a Great Working Relationship with Your Boss.” I think of my co-author as my boss because she came up with the book idea. She is the first author and has the final say on content. I am the second author and have the final say on editing. Since I have a long track record as an author, I contribute some original copy and make marketing suggestions.
We are true co-authors.
Vogt thinks initiative is key to a good work relationship. Instead of sitting around and waiting for instructions, Vogt says you may figure things on your own. “Why not be proactive enough to figure it out yourself so your supervisor doesn’t constantly have to hold your hand?” he asks.
My co-author and I defined our work relationship before we started our book, yet we are constantly refining it. Changes come about because of shifting goals and needs. This is especially true of our marketing plans, which are in flux. Changes like these may upset some co-authors, but they don’t upset us. In fact, we see them as signs of progress.
At the end of his article Vogt makes an obvious point. “Do great work,” he says. To see how our words connect and flow, I read the chapters aloud before editing them. I also track the word count. Time and again, my co-author has thanked me for my work initiative. I have thanked her, time and again, for the book idea.
We’ re a great team and that’s what all co-authors should be. If you are co-authoring a book now, I hope you will consider the American Association of Family Practice characteristics of a good work relationship. This relationship doesn’t happen by chance. Like writing, it is the result of trust, hard work, and vision.
Copyright 2011 by Harriet Hodgson
Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 30+ years. Her 24th book, “Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief,” written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from Amazon. Centering Corporation published her 26th book, “Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life” and a companion journal with 100 writing jump-starts. The company also published her latest book, “The Spiritual Woman: Quotes to Refresh and Sustain Your Soul.” Hodgson has another new book out, “101 Affirmations to Ease Your Grief Journey: Words of Comfort, Words of Hope,” also available from Amazon. Please visit her website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.
Anonymous Declaration of Freedom
