Re: Communication and climate reset

Thank you Andrew and Josh, for your consideration during recent 
discussions, and for your efforts to make this WG a good place to get 
work done. As co-chair of another WG, I know how challenging it can be 
sometimes!

Léonie.

-- 
@LeonieWatson tink.uk Carpe diem

On 22/10/2016 02:42, Andrew Kirkpatrick wrote:
> WCAG’ers,
>
> It has been an interesting and challenging couple of weeks. Josh and I
> want to follow up with the group regarding some comments we have
> received and things we have observed in the group.
>
> First off, we know that everyone on the group is very dedicated to our
> work. We also know that everyone is engaging in the work with the goal
> of bettering accessibility for people with disabilities through our
> efforts and the resulting documents we produce. It is natural that there
> are differences in opinion as to the best ways to proceed toward that
> goal, but we do need to make sure that we maintain a respectful and
> collegial atmosphere as we work through these differences, and as well
> once decisions are made.
>
> We believe that it is very difficult for a group the size of WCAG to
> function without the occasional hiccup or even getting slightly off
> course. Some of the discussion in group meetings and some of the email
> discussion has caused some concern for members. Some group members feel
> that other members are being too forceful in advocating their views and
> may feel their inclination to engage stifled as a result.  Other group
> members feel inappropriately or indirectly targeted by sharp critiques.
>
> To help the group reach its goals we feel that it is critical that
> everyone feel welcomed to raise ideas or comments. I know most people on
> the group well enough that I can comfortably ask what I may worry is an
> ignorant question or challenge a bold assertion, but that isn’t the case
> for everyone.  I hope that others on the list can chime in to share
> their support for hearing ideas and having regular engagement from all
> participants (I’m sure that many of us have stories about our first
> stressful interactions with the group of WCAG accessibility experts!)
>
> Another part of the environment we are trying to have in WCAG relates to
> email communications and group discussions. We all have our passions and
> need to ensure that we keep ourselves in check in order to make sure
> that we are communicating in ways that respects others in the group and
> that respects the decisions of the group. We are all expected to not
> only be expert in our field but to demonstrate the social competencies
> needed to function as a part of a group. Josh and I will do our best to
> enforce this and be good models.
>
> If anyone in the group has concerns about how the group is functioning,
> the group's work climate, or how the chairs are (or are not) doing their
> jobs, we would like to hear about it. Please don’t hesitate to let
> either of us aware of concerns or suggestions, or if you don’t feel
> comfortable talking to us please also feel free to speak to Michael.
>
> We are happy to be working with such an amazing group of dedicated,
> passionate, and knowledgable people, and look forward to the difficult
> and exciting challenges ahead of us!
>
> Thanks,
> AWK
>
> Andrew Kirkpatrick
> Group Product Manager, Standards and Accessibility
> Adobe
>
> akirkpat@adobe.com
> http://twitter.com/awkawk

Received on Saturday, 22 October 2016 10:44:17 UTC