I travel a lot. I’ve noticed a trend in hotel rooms that irritate me: a very-high bed and very-low toilet—a design inconsistency. This past week, I stayed in a slightly too-high bed, a reasonable-height toilet, but the shower head was mounted at least 8 feet off the ground. When I extended my arm, I didn’t […]
Which Inconsistencies Do You Notice? Read More »
I’ve had the chance to speak with various folks over the past few weeks about their creativity. Some of them are developers or testers, worried about the IP agreements their companies want them to sign. Others are writers, worried about book contracts. In each case, the company or publisher wanted to “own” all the creative
Who Owns Your Creativity? Read More »
It’s July 4, here in the US, our Independence Day. We celebrate with parades, cookouts, and fireworks. Lots and lots of fireworks. I’m a fan of watching fireworks. And, I’m a fan of independence. And, I bet my notion of independence might not be the same as yours. Here’s what independence means to me: I
What Does Independence Mean to You? Read More »
I recently listened to a podcast about scaling agile. I was sort of okay with what they said until they said this: “You need a tool to do this thing right.” Uh, no. Not at all. (I actually yelled at the podcast. Sheesh.) You don’t need a tool to accomplish what they suggested. In fact, when people
When Do You Need a Tool? Read More »
At this time of year, many people start their todo lists or write down resolutions. Actions and resolutions are about the “what we want to accomplish.” Many people start with “what” instead of “why.” For example, many people (including me) want to lose weight over the coming year. You might want to learn a new
How Can You Think About Who You Want to be Next Year? Read More »
I find the current sexual harassment and discrimination scandals dispiriting. Regardless of the good work these men (and some women) have achieved in their lives, their legacy will always be one of sexual predation, an abuse of power. (I wrote a little about this and how it plays out in work in Power, Management, and
How Do We Reconcile Our Perceptions vs Our Realities? Read More »
I’m on my way to Agile Prague, transiting through JFK. JFK is an older airport and the way you move from a domestic terminal to the international terminal is to take a bus, aka jitney. Yes, they call it a jitney. The jitney has a ramp so it’s easy for me to get on and
When is “Let’s Not” the Right Answer? Read More »
Mark and I both wear glasses. Several years ago, I bought many microfiber cloths so I could clean my glasses, especially at breakfast. For some reasons, my glasses attract fingerprints and smushes when I’m sleeping. (I know, the smushes were there when I went to bed, but I don’t see the dirtiness in the evening.)
What Are You Saving It For? Read More »
I have a form to fill out and return in the postage-paid envelope. I filled out the form. It’s 21 pages. It does not fit into a #10 (business) envelope. I tore the envelope trying to fit the form into the envelope. I called the person who mailed me the form and explained. I planned
How Do You Know It Should? Read More »
I was coaching a prospective consultant. He had big plans for his business. He wanted to make a ton of money. He wanted to run gigantic workshops. (His word, not mine.) He had Big, Big Plans. I asked him what success meant to him. He had an answer all about money. So I asked him
What’s Enough For You? Read More »