I’ve been talking with people in various mediums about how their agile approach is working. All these people have similar problems: they are trying to use a specific agile approach. That approach isn’t working for them. They persist because otherwise, they’re not “agile.” They’re stuck on this one possible solution. They boxed themselves in. We […]
How Do We Recognize When We Box Ourselves In? Read More »
It’s the resolution time of year again. Too many people will make resolutions and not accomplish those resolutions. I also see the same thing in my consulting and teaching practice. Managers don’t finish their work. Team’s don’t finish their work. Writers don’t finish their projects. Here are several common reasons: the work is undefined; the
How Often Do You Finish? Read More »
You encounter a setback or a loss. Someone, a well-meaning someone, tells you to “just get over it.” How can you? The quick answer is you don’t. (Well, I don’t.) What we do instead is move through the change model. Let me unpack that well-meaning, albeit wrong, sentence. “Just” is not a useful word to describe any
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I see a push-pull situation at many of my clients. On the one hand, the managers want adaptability—the ability to respond to changes. And, on the other hand, the managers want great (some say perfect) estimates and assurances that the project will proceed as planned. I don’t see how you can have both things: assurances/guarantees
How Do You Encourage Your Own Adaptability? Read More »
I was watching Ken Robinson on Passion. He made the claim that too many people live lives that are not fulfilling. Your work drains you. Instead, what energizes you? I reflected on my life. I am lucky. I found many parts of my professional life that energize me: Anything about product development energizes me: programming,
What Energizes You? Read More »
I was walking briskly with a client between buildings on the campus. He told me he’d lost five pounds will all the running around he did all day. He said, “I never feel as if I accomplish anything. I want to be successful!” (He might have said I need to be successful. I no longer remember.)
What Does Success Mean to You? Read More »
I hear a lot of “No, but…” and people tell me why they can’t possibly do the thing I suggested. I agree with them. I often say something like this, “Yes, you are correct. Yes, that would be a problem here. And, could this other thing be a possibility?” Sometimes they say yes, and we
How About Yes, And … ? Read More »
I was coaching a client recently, and he said something fascinating. “That wasn’t on my life map. I hadn’t even thought of it.” I asked him more questions, and he explained that he had this idea of a life map. He knew where he wanted to go, and he had several ways to get there.
What’s on Your Life Map? Read More »
In Tip 4: Start Small, I suggested you start small. That’s so you can seek some feedback. I said I started small so I could make progress. How do I know I’m making progress? I might see an increase in how many words I write (yes, I track them), how many presentations I do, or
CAL Tip #5: Seek Some Feedback Read More »
My town is replacing water meters (I think all the water meters, but certainly ours). They had records of what kind of water meter they expected—the size of the pipes in and out, etc. The water meter guy got here yesterday, took one look at our meter, and called the foreman. Our water meter didn’t
How Do You Prepare? Read More »