A local sales writer who was looking to get into technical writing asked me a few questions to help him get an accurate picture of what he needed to be successful. One of his questions was “What are some character traits of a successful technical writer?”

That’s kind of a tough question because tech writers have as many different personalities as any other group. But the question is about character traits. I believe it was Dr. Taylor Hartman, author of The Color Code, who said that you’re born with a personality, and what you do with it is your character. If I go by this definition, character traits are things that you choose to do, habits that you develop. I’m going with this definition because I don’t think any certain personality makes someone a more successful technical communicator; it’s those choices you make and the habits and skills you develop that determine your success.

Let’s back up a little bit more, though. What constitutes a successful technical communicator? The usual judgment of success is how much money you make, but I think that’s a different discussion. Additionally, certain successes are something that you have power to accomplish yourself, not something you’re dependent on others for. Success in technical writing is one of these things.

A successful technical communicator is one, I believe, who understands both the audience and the subject matter, clearly communicates what the audience needs to know when they need to know it, and puts the content where the audience will get it. Note that this definition means success isn’t dependent on receiving recognition for outstanding publications or a certain salary or hourly wage. It’s not even dependent on increasing the organization’s profits, because not all technical writers work for commercial entities (take me, for example).

What are the traits that contribute to this definition of success? A successful technical communicator is:

  • Willing and able to learn
  • Analytical
  • Socially aware
  • Organized

Willing and Able to Learn

This trait is essential. Technical communication is all about learning. Tech writers must ask the right questions to get the information they need from team members and subject matter experts and make sure they understand the subject matter themselves. There are effective ways to learn and ways not to learn. A drive to learn and an understanding of how to learn well help the tech writer to be thorough.

Knowing how to learn also enables the tech writer to look for all avenues of obtaining information. Interviews, email, focus groups, formal research, questionnaires, and meetings can all be sources of knowledge.

Further, the tech writer should be constantly open to better ways to do things. The field is changing, and emerging technologies allow for more effective communication channels. We should always learn how to communicate more effectively. Perhaps another way to say this one is to be versatile.

Analytical

The next most important trait in my view is being analytical. No two communication situations are the same, and the technical communicator needs to assess each situation and deliver the content in the structures and formats appropriate for it. Analysis is needed even on as granular a level as each word, sentence, and image used. Each should have a purpose and expected result.

Socially Aware

Technical communicators should have some awareness of social proprieties. People are people, and interacting with team members and others well is a skill that stems from social awareness. The tech writer needs to be aware of his relationship with each person he needs to talk to so that he doesn’t cross any lines and alienate people. Being friendly and courteous will do much for making team members more willing to work with you.

Organized

Technical writers, especially lone writers, are often project managers to some degree. Good project management takes certain skills, but those skills largely come from being organized. The writer needs to keep track of project objectives and progress and keep up her own work based on that progress. Being organized is half the battle when it comes to accomplishing goals.

Wrap-Up

Of course, the ability to craft good communication is a must, but I would say that’s a skill, not a trait. The trait of being analytical helps immensely with writing and graphic skills. The other traits I’ve discussed help with being successful in the other aspects of the job.

According to the definition I gave of character, these traits are things that you can consciously decide to be. Certain personality traits may make them easier for you, but you can choose to learn, analyze, be socially aware, and be organized.

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