The Commandments of B

The following was part of a presentation made to attendees of API's News Editors and Copy Desk Chiefs seminar

Be accountable. Take responsibility for your work and the work of your staff. When you miss opportunities or make mistakes, discuss the situation with the appropriate staff members (if not on that cycle, the next work day).

Be ready to jump in. If major news breaks, especially on a holiday or off-cycle, call the office. If it's a catastrophic event, go to work. Train your staff to do the same. News doesn't take time off --even for family barbecues and ball games.

Be prepared. Just like reporters, copy editors/news editors need to know the major stories of the day and those that will make it to the next cycle. That means reading your own newspaper and listening to the radio en route to work.

Be flexible. Understand that switching gears is necessary for you and your team. That could mean changing shifts, coming in early or staying late. Or honoring staff requests for time off, especially for family situations and mental health days.

Be visible. Form alliances all over the newsroom, especially with other department heads and other editors. Let your staff see that you are an advocate for them.

Be political. Stay in all loops and understand where the power lies. Embrace change or make a change. If you don't believe it or can't embrace it, leave it.

Be proud of your team. Praise, explain, protect and nurture. Explain the mission and give them the tools (training — in house and off site) to perform. When taking over a new team, embrace everyone until they prove unworthy. Failure is the boss's fault.

Be the boss. The switch from being "one of the troops" to management is difficult for new editors, but trying to play a dual role is worse. Don't play petty games and pout. Favoritism hurts morale and garners little respect — even from the favorites.

Be a thinker. Devise ways to improve efficiency, communication and morale.

Be truthful. Share what you can with staff, but don't lie. And never lie to the face in the mirror.

Be compassionate. But keep an edge in your pocket.

Be a mentor. Find a good one for yourself.

Be curious. Learn to trust your staff. However, the questions don't stop.

Be mentally tough. Cherish the ups; the downs aren't personal.

Be an advocate for your paper. Pride spreads — inside and outside.