We’ve all heard this phrase, “It’s not personal. It’s just business.” There are several things wrong with that saying. “Just” is a keyword that says, “Don’t look here, you won’t like it. Just ignore me…” (Here’s a writing tip: write a sentence with just in it and then when you edit, remove the just. What […]
What’s Personal to You? Read More »
Last week, Mark and I took a long weekend in the Florida Keys and basked in the sun. It wasn’t crazy-hot, so our few days were terrific. We’re back and it’s crazy-cold in Boston now. (Oh well!) We flew an airline I hadn’t experienced in several years. The most recent time I flew that airline,
Whose Problem Are You Solving? Read More »
I am a reviewer for the experience reports track for Agile 2017. I finished evaluating all the proposals in the track last week. Here’s what struck me: too many proposals didn’t have enough information for me to accept them. The conference has guidelines for a good proposal. Too many proposals didn’t follow the guidelines. The
Why Not Ask for Help? Read More »
I’m working with clients on their agile transformations. I’m working on that book project I alluded to several weeks ago. These efforts have at least this in common: We need to work with other people to finish the work. And, surprise, surprise! People have their own ideas about what to do and when. In at least one
When Do You Go Meta? Read More »
I started a new regimen of PT (physical therapy) to manage my vertigo a little better. Yesterday, I did a ton of leg/balance work. I did too much—I was exhausted. (Balancing on one leg challenges my brain to manage my vertigo. Yes, I need it, and it tires me out.) I came home and tried to
When Do You Take a Break? Read More »
I have a high rate of throughput. In addition to my writing, I offer online and in-person workshops. Plus, I have coaching and consulting clients. I’m busy, just like you. One of my clients asked, “How do you get it all done?” He paused. “I bet you have rules for getting it all done. Care
What Are Your Rules for Getting It All Done? Read More »
At 7am today, the roads are a slick sheet of ice. So are the driveways and sidewalks. We had some snow yesterday which changed to freezing rain. The temps went below freezing last night and now, everything is slick and frozen. It’s dangerous for anyone to walk outside, never mind me, a dizzy broad. I’m
How Long Do You Wait? Read More »
I’ve been taking online and in-person workshops for several years now. I took a week-long in-person writing workshop last year and learned a ton. We had writing and technique assignments. Our instructor told us to complete the writing first and then write the techniques. I did the writing and didn’t complete one of the technique
What Does Success in Learning Look Like to You? Read More »
I’m working on that document project I mentioned back in Do You Want Feedback? We, the writing team, explained how we would pair-review and rewrite where necessary to use more of the tone and less casual language. And, more importantly, we would correct the problems the original editing created. We did that last week. We all
Who Gets the Credit? Read More »
I changed my newsletter for this site, from not-reliable-quarterly to (with any luck) reliable monthly. Why? Because the lack of frequency made it more difficult for me to keep up with the newsletter. That’s not what I want as a writer. I am sure it’s not what you want as a reader. I’ll post the newsletters
Who is the Change For? Read More »