Christine Robinson

Techincal Writer III

57970

Aug 28, 2000

Initiative/Results

Rating

Successfully completed 16 tasks listed in the 3-month initiative worksheet. Completed all of the tasks required by manager

E+

Manager Evaluation (summary input required):

• Chris joined Cisco on 3/27 and took a leave of absence for a month. Therefore, this focal covers approximately 5 months or performance.
  
• In those 5 months, Chris was primarily devoted to release note writing on a full-time telecommuter basis. She delivered an exceptional number of high-quality release notes and performed many release note program management functions.
  
• Chris produces clean copy and gets regular kudos from her editor, such as Yvonne Kucher's “Gold start for Chris Robinson again this week.”
  
• In addition to writing release notes, Chris also
  • Learned the feature module writing process. The program manager who is training Chris is happy with how quickly Chris comprehends processes and the way she asked the right questions. Both PMs, Mona Hudak and Doris Reed , who have trained Chris report the same highest compliment, “Chris gets it, period.”
    
  • Served as SPLOB rep to X-Sector team.
    
  • Assisted in transferring RN responsibilities to outsourcers.
    
  • Assumed the role of X-BU channel feature pack program manager. She is currently streamlining the development process in preparation for outsourcing the project.

Success Factors

Results

Rating

Functional/Cross-functional Knowledge

Worked with marketing, project and scheduling teams, manufacturing and engineers to complete and improve RNs and RN process. Attended scheduled planning and writer meetings. Obtained understanding of RN process and documentation departments' histories and concerns.

Teamwork

Worked with many groups outside of SPLOB and documentation for RNs. Developed good working relationships with players. Stumbled in the beginning to understand dynamics between groups and individuals. Have obtained better grasp of collective and individual “customer” needs.

Work with Drive and Commitment to Results

Completed RNs a required; did last-minute, emergency RNs. Did not move as quickly as should have into Feature Pack PM position. Willingness to talk to anyone about a situation is propelled by drive to get the job done, and to do it well using the most efficient process.

Demonstrate Leadership

Helped IOS marketing and RN writers talk constructively about image lists and solving the shared problem of multiple feature names. Other groups joined in who were working the same problem. Now there is an active drive toward centralizing feature names.

Have been asked to join X0-secotr team and short-term problem-solving groups regarding RN issues. Was asked to become PM for Channel Packs

Became a source for answers to RN questions and some process issues.

Communicate Effectively

Streamlined RN boilerplate and feature module process. Both efforts were met with little confusion and were adapted quickly. Used verbal skills to get groups talking. Learned Cisco's email rules, dialect, and nuances.

E+

Manager Evaluation (input required):

• Because Chris is a Tech Writer II who is a full-time telecommuter, the performance bar is set very high. For example, we expect her to
  
• Be self-starting, self-managing, and self-training
  
• Have delivered a large number of technician robust documents
  
• Understand standard technical writing processes
  
• Bring value-add to the working environment of the team
  
• We have seen strength in all of these qualities

Understanding of processes

Cisco IOS Documentation training

4/00

Technology training

Cisco Product Essential for Enterprise Account Managers

4/00

Understanding of processes

CCIM Training

6/00

Technology training

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices

6/00

Technology training

Completed Voice over IP CD

7/00

Technology training

Understanding Voice over IP

8/00

Manager Comments:
Chris delivered well on all of the development initiatives from her 3-month review. She has been totally self managing in establishing development goals and in seeking out appropriate training.

Initiatives

• Transition to writing FMs and write feature modules as assigned.
• Streamline the channel pack process, improve content, and groom replacement.
• Gain technical understanding of voice over IP and telephony.

Technical knowledge

Take Cisco Voice class

Research “Configuring Voice Ports” chapter for ITD's voice book

Additional hands-on experience in doc lab

Cisco process knowledge

Transfer channel release notes to outsource

Mentor a new hire

Manager Comments (optional)