Author: Chris Anderson
Published: February 08, 1999
Last Updated: March 02, 1999
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Getting what you want and need

First, hire the right boss. I’m amazed to hear friends complaining about their publishers or group executives when a little homework would have told them it wasn’t going to be a good marriage. Know that your values match those of your bosses. When your publisher leaves and the company is hiring a new one, ask to be part of the process.

• Second, become a full-newspaper editor. Learn every aspect of the company in depth. Know revenue assumptions and participate in the discussions that lead to that budget. Ask tough questions along the way. You may help the publisher push for more revenue — or less, so your own budget doesn’t suffer. Know how the presses work, so when someone tells you a run won’t work, you’ll know if it can’t be done, or they don’t want to do it. Know distribution patterns and circulation deadlines.
• Third, expect the unexpected during the year and have a contingency plan to deal with it. Advertisers leave the market; newsprint goes up. Know how you will react to demands for cost savings.
• Most of all, be part of the team. Nothing irritates other senior managers more than an editor who declines to fully participate in problem-solving, strategy-setting and other aspects of the business.
• Finally, lead the newsroom in understanding why all of this is good for them, not something you do because you have to. Us vs. them is disastrous in the long haul.