Being a mid-level editor or producer is perhaps the most challenging, yet rewarding, role in the newsroom. Success is experienced immediately, whether you work online, in broadcast, or for print– or all three today. You can see how your work contributes every day to a vital news report to your community.
Best of all, these daily accomplishments provide building blocks as you establish your management and leadership foundation. Those building blocks need mortar to hold them together. That mortar comes from who you are, what you stand for and how you concretely demonstrate that consistently. Here are some ways to think about your mortar, its texture, its durability and its strength in holding the building blocks firm.
You and Your Values
- Be you. Your style should reflect the person you are. You can build on that by incorporating new approaches and by strengthening your natural attributes.
- Stay true to your professional and personal values.
- Uphold ethical principles of journalistic conduct.
- Value the ideas, distinctions, and ideals of others.
- Listen well. Listen fully. Listen sincerely.
You and Your Relationships
- Place trust in others. They will return theirs to you.
- Be honest in your dealings with people.
- Be relentlessly fair in how you treat people.
- Tailor your approach to managing staff. Each individual has unique needs.
- Be supportive and optimistic.
You and Your Expertise
- Be a learner and an explorer. None of us is complete. All of us need to fill in the gaps.
- Know your community. Know its issues.
- Stay aware of media developments, particularly First Amendment issues.
You and Responsibility
- Make decisions that are your responsibility. Work with the decisions others must make. Help others develop as decision-makers.
- Keep your boss well-informed and involved in important issues.
- Share information with its context.
- Be flexible in how you work through problems.
- Work with purpose. Know what you need and want to accomplish for the greater good, and communicate that clearly and often.
- Create avenues. If there are roadblocks to getting things done, clear them away or identify detours.
You and Your Growth
- Seek advice on tough issues. Ask your staff, as well as your boss. They have relevant perspectives.
- Take time out to think. You can’t lead if you are always doing.
- Take care of yourself.
- Put some fun into every day.
- Be the boss you would like to have.
You got to where you are through hard work and talent. Your bosses also saw a spark, a difference you make through your own work and through how you influence others. You demonstrate strong capabilities. Be confident. Be a learner. Be committed to journalism and to the people who practice it and the people who rely on it in your community.
