Do you feel as if the various world events happen faster than you can understand them? I do. That means I start with assumptions and strongly held convictions—even if it turns out I’m wrong. I don’t like to be wrong—and I suspect you don’t either. That’s why I’m considering how I can change my reaction […]
How Can We Balance Our Assumptions and Convictions to Start With Empathy? Read More »
I learned a lot about my mental models last week. That’s when several people asked me “obvious” questions about specific software tools. I hope I was reasonable when I answered. But I assumed they exhibited learned helplessness. Wasn’t the answer obvious to everyone? Clearly not. Then, this week, I did exactly the same thing. Twice.
When Is the Problem Not Learned Helplessness or Confusion But Our Mental Models? Read More »
Most of us have been in a position where we feel as if “we’ve been here before”—even if we know we haven’t. Sometimes, we smell something or hear something, but we feel as if we’ve been here before. There’s a name for that: deja vu. But sometimes, we feel as if this thing—that maybe we’ve
How Have You Used Vuja De to Support Your Creativity? 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 »
I was wandering around the kitchen this morning, making my breakfast. I notice this tag on the counter. I held it up and asked, “Can I delete this?” Mark immediately cracked up laughing. So did I. In the real world, as opposed to our computers and the virtual world, we throw out trash. We don’t
Can You See Your Own Mental Models? Read More »
I like my routines. I have exercise routines, eating routines, writing routines, to name three. I find comfort in my routines. I think of my routines as a groove. My grooves smooth the paths towards my accomplishments. And, every so often, my groove turns into a rut. I discovered I’m in a rut now. I need
When Does Your Groove Turn Into a Rut? Read More »
Long ago, I had a huge fight with my grandmother. She said something untrue. I told her it was untrue and I explained why. Her response was, “You have such a black-and-white view of the world.” That’s true. I don’t believe in what we now call “alternative facts.” I call them “lies.” Notice that I
How Can We Discuss a Difference of Beliefs? Read More »
Have you ever asked, “Honey, where’s the milk?” You know where it’s supposed to be in the fridge. But, you can’t see it. Honey replies, “It’s right where it always is. In the door, next to the OJ.” You finally see it. “Oh, thanks so much.” You have (fe)male eye disease. In our house, we
What Do You Pay Attention To? Read More »
When Mark and I moved, we didn’t move far. Less than two miles, to the “other” side of town. But those two miles has changed how we drive everywhere. Our routes have changed: to the grocery store, to the Post Office, to the gym, you name it. We changed everything about the default way we
Have You Updated Your Mental Map? Read More »