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My editor covered my beat for five years and was recently promoted to editor. I thought this could be a good thing, but it's turning out to be a burden. He still feels ownership over this beat and loves to talk about random details at length and assigns me stories, and a "column," that are in vein with his interests.
He has high expectations for me, and, trust me, I'm a perfectionist and my own harshest critic, but we have different visions for the beat. He just can't seem to let go and assume his new position. Is there a polite way to bring this up? Or am I expecting too much of an editor?
Sara
I once heard someone in the newsroom say, "When it comes to husbands and editors, keep your expectations low."
And she was an editor!
No, I don't think you are expecting too much. You apparently have an editor who cares a lot about this beat and who may miss doing it himself. This is not entirely bad.
I would try to tackle it directly. Schedule a meeting with him outside the office, and explain how you feel.
Tell him, "Look, I need your help and guidance on this beat, and I appreciate your enthusiasm for it, but I have to be allowed to do things my own way. I will not find every story you would, but given a chance to put my own stamp on this, I know I'll find some new things. I need you to back me up, but I have to be allowed to find my own way, make the occasional mistake and learn to do this job just as you did. I know you're only trying to help, but too often I feel like I'm just filling story orders.
Let's keep talking, but please give me a chance to put some stories on the table myself. I think I can surprise you."
Coming Tuesday: A career-services director discourages him from trying to make the move from public relations to journalism.
