Deadlines and Hot Buttons

Stations and partners are apt to underestimate the intensity of the work required to make a collaboration succeed. No matter how clearly everything is spelled out in the timeline, no matter how well you communicate, misunderstandings can arise. Let your partner know in advance how to work with you most effectively.

Exchanging information over a range of work-related issues will help avoid problems before they come up. For instance, if a producer can't take calls between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. because she's on the air, tell your partner in advance. If you begin your workday by signing on at 4:30 a.m. and are brain dead by 3 p.m., let your partner know! If the deadline for getting articles into your listener guide is 6 weeks before publication, remind your partner. Here is a starter list of information to exchange with your partner(s) to smooth out your interactions:

• the best time/way to contact me is . . .

• the worst time/way to contact me is . . .
• my hot button is . . .
• to meet print deadlines you must . . .
• when I am unavailable can help you.
• to meet production deadlines you must . . .