Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Posts: 1055

So when you're working with someone and they give you a technical document for presentation to a client or superior, and misuse/spell words, or you find that it's not particularily well written at all, how do you approach that person and tell them that you don't think their work is acceptable? Especially in the case where they're supposed to be your equal. Do you just let it slide and hope that your credibility isn't undermined?

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Posts: 18823

Why did they give it to you?

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Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Posts: 1055

Because I was actioned at a meeting to compile all the research for presentation to the Minister of learning of my province, along with letters of request for her endorsement on a project. This includes collecting letters from my counterparts at the other 3 campuses belonging to my institution. The letter I received from one of them is shyte.

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Registered: Dec 2002
Location:
Posts: 2573

exclude that letter and if they ask say it was shite. If they dont ask or dont care everybody wins. Keep it in case they insist on seeing it.

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Registered: Nov 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 4737

Just pull them aside and tell them it's shit.

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Posts: 18823

As was said.
I would think that part of your responsibility is to edit the material presented at least in the sense of making sure it is even presentable.

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Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Posts: 1055

Yeah. I don't know why I'm pussyfooting. I'm alot more assertive with the people I work with every day. Maybe it's cuz he's someone I'm not sure I'll be able to count as an ally all year, and I don't want to push it.

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Posts: 18823

Unless he's a complete asshole, one would think he would appreciate your candor.

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Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Posts: 1055

True. I can always point out to him that if I used it as is, he'd likely look like an idiot.

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Bangor, ME
Posts: 10153

Wipe your ass with it and give it back.

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Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Posts: 1055

I thought about it, but figured it would fuck up the fax machine

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: zanzibar
Posts: 10413

My boss gives me stuff with errors all the time, I point out what is wrong and make suggestions about what could be improved. "You know, maybe this would sound better if you said it like..." that kind of thing. He appreciates it unless I do those kinds of things in front of our customer, in which case I'd be in trouble.

If you are submitting it in hopes of soliciting backing on a project you probably dont want to hand them something that you think is shit.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Hilbert Space
Posts: 35561

Hand a hardcopy back to your co-worker and say something subtle like 'I was going to use this to wipe my arse on but I see that you have covered it with shit already'.

If they ever get promoted above you, get a new job.

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Registered: Sep 2001
Location: ........
Posts: 14954

Edit: edited

Last edited by skalie on 07-05-2003 at 01:48 AM

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Baba Kueria
Posts: 3146

If their letter is shit, chances are all their letters are shit, and always have been shit, they'll probably already be used to hearing "your letter is shit" and probably have a good idea themselves that their letter is shit.

So, just ask the shit letter writer if they got anyone to proof-read it and tell them you noticed a couple of problems with it.

Don't offer to proof read it for them, otherwise they'll be after you to fix up their shitty letters all the time.

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