In this episode, I talk with Pam Hurley, Ph.D., president and founder of Hurley Write, Inc.. about the critical role of effective writing, common writing pitfalls that impact performance, and strategies for project managers to better productivity and improve documentation efficiency.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Pam:
- What is a readability study?
- How do readability studies directly impact the success of engineering projects?
- What are the most common problems you encounter in readability studies?
- What strategies do you recommend for project managers to improve their writing skills without detracting from their core duties?
- How do you teach effective writing to engineers who are usually more focused on quantitative skills?
- How can project managers audit their communication skills to be more effective and solve project issues?
- How do you help engineering teams maintain high writing standards throughout their projects?
- What final advice do you have for anyone looking to improve their writing skills?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Writing Your Way to Better Productivity as a Project Manager:
- Many people think readability is just about grammar, but it’s really about how readers understand information. Studies show that reading habits have changed, with more skimming and less thorough reading.
- Readability studies help engineers create clear documents, making it easier for team members to find and use important information quickly, which improves project success.
- The most common problems in readability studies are project managers rewriting documents themselves and not providing constructive feedback. This approach prevents team members from improving their writing skills and hinders overall project communication.
- Project managers should give constructive feedback instead of rewriting documents and view writing as problem-solving to help their teams improve. This approach enhances team skills without adding to the managers’ workload.
- To teach effective writing to engineers, focus on presenting writing as a problem-solving skill that complements their quantitative expertise. Emphasize how clear communication enhances their ability to convey complex ideas and better productivity in their work.
- Project managers can audit their communication skills by gathering feedback from team members and stakeholders on clarity and effectiveness. This helps them improve how they convey project goals, address issues, and promote open dialogue for better productivity and successful project outcomes.
- Supporting engineering teams in maintaining high writing standards involves analyzing their documents for common issues and providing tailored workshops, resources, and ongoing coaching for continuous improvement in communication skills throughout projects.
- To improve writing skills, focus on planning your writing by spending more time outlining and organizing your thoughts before you start. Also, practice regularly to build proficiency and confidence, even with simple daily writing exercises, which will lead to steady improvement over time.
More Details in This Episode…
About Pam Hurley, Ph.D.
Pam Hurley, Ph.D., leads Hurley Write Inc., a certified women-owned small business renowned for its tailored professional writing training. Her teaching approach, described as energetic and direct, has empowered countless clients to revolutionize their writing strategies. With a background in academia, Pam’s introduction to readability studies during graduate school sparked a revelation, ultimately shaping her students’ writing proficiency and confidence. This furthered Pam’s dedication to dispelling the myth that writing is an innate talent, leading her on a path away from academia to founding Hurley Write, with a new mission to help professionals and organizations achieve the caliber of writing needed to further their businesses.
Hurley Write, Inc., has over 30 years of experience collaborating with professionals from industry giants like Bayer, Novartis, and Intel. Hurley Write’s executive consultants, experts in professional writing and teaching, employ the client’s writing samples to create highly customized training. The “white-glove” service ensures a seamless experience. Pam believes that effective writing is a skill anyone can develop, irrespective of background or education. Her team equips professionals with the tools to approach writing with confidence and efficiency by leveraging their innate problem-solving abilities.
Under Pam’s guidance, Hurley Write, Inc. stands as a beacon of expertise in professional writing. Pam’s dynamic teaching style, combined with a dedicated team of consultants, ensures that every client has an engaging and impactful experience. With a commitment to demystifying effective writing, Pam empowers professionals to communicate with precision and clarity, transforming their approach to written communication.
About the Host: Matthew Douglas
Matthew currently serves as a content creator and host of The Engineering Project Management Podcast. A civil engineer by trade, Matthew has developed a passion for construction and stormwater management by way of maintenance and rehabilitation services. Matthew has also had experience working with private consulting firms and public agencies, and has even held a role of an educator. As such, he loves to lead, build, mentor, and help those in need.
Most recently, during his time working for the public sector, he has taken the role of Public Works Operations Manager. He led quite a few public infrastructure rehabilitation projects and implemented new asset management technologies at a very young age. It is here that the passion for “fixing what’s broken” developed.
Sources/References:
Hurley Write, Inc.
Duke University
Connect with Pam Hurley, Ph.D., on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, on-demand courses, and digital study tools, to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam. Check out PPI today at ppi2pass.com to see all the options available for FE and PE exam prep.
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how you write your way to better productivity as a project manager.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
