When we’re young, people ask us what we want to be when we grow up. We consider professions such as doctor, lawyer, policeman/woman, teacher. That’s because when we’re young, we don’t know about options such as computer programming. We answer with professions we’ve seen. As we learn more about professions, we can choose again. When I […]
Who Do You Want to Be? Read More »
I follow lots of rules. I stay inside my lane on the highway. I wear my socks inside in—or, if you will, outside out. I always take my medication and I always take it the way I am supposed to. I even floss at night, the way my dentist tells me to do so. But
Which Rules Should You Break? Read More »
A client emailed me last week. She’s a senior manager in her organization. Has been for several years. She’s considering reducing her work hours and taking a different position because her children are teenagers and need more emotional and driving support. I can understand. I have been there and done that. I wrote about that,
Instead of Or, Are You Considering And? Read More »
A few weeks ago, I was at a writer’s workshop. One of the writers wore t-shirt that said, “I’m a romance writer. What’s your superpower?” That got me thinking. Each of us has a superpower. Do you know what your superpower is? In that workshop, a number of writers had the romance writer superpower. Some
What’s Your Superpower? Read More »
Many people see themselves as their titles. “I’m a tester or developer or project manager or business analyst.” You are not your role. You are not your title. You are your values, your mission. You are most definitely not the number of people in your organization. You’ve heard managers say, “I have xx or xxx
How Do You See Yourself? Read More »
When we were purging the house, I asked the question, “Does this thing enhance my life?” It was a good question to see if I wanted to keep or eliminate whatever I was holding. It’s not quite the same question as “Is Anyone Using This?” That’s a question from the outside. “Does This Enhance My
Does This Enhance My Life? Read More »
In previous questions of the week, I’ve been focused outward, on the system. In this question, I invite you to focus inward. How do you matter, to yourself, and to others? We don’t ask ourselves this question enough. Too often, we suffer from Imposter Syndrome, where we think we are not good enough. Sure, we
How Do You Matter? Read More »
I often discover that I want to start things that I have no idea how to do. Does that ever happen to you? When I wanted to learn needlepoint back in high school, it was easy. I learned that from a book. I made several needlepoints. I practiced until I got good. I mastered it.
How Do I Start Something When I Don’t Know How? Read More »
I often hear people say, “I don’t have enough time.” Or, “We don’t have enough testers.” Or, “I don’t have enough authority or influence to do what I want to do.” That’s scarcity thinking. You’re right. You don’t have enough to do things the way you always have done them or would like to do
Are You Sure You Don’t Have Enough? Read More »
I had a different post scheduled this week. But in memory and in honor of Robin Williams, and for everyone who suffers from depression, today’s question of the week is “Can you Ask for Help?” Everyone struggles with feeling down at different points in our lives. I blogged earlier about some of my ups and
Can You Ask for Help? Read More »