I took a science fiction writing workshop last week. It was great fun and I realize I remain a work in progress when it comes to my fiction. Yes, I’m a work in progress on just about everything, but for my fiction, I am in the midst of the change model where my performance varies […]
Where Are the Flaws? 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 »
This time of year, I see signs, “Please do not touch the tree.” There are plenty of signs that say, “Please do not….” I often wonder this: Why not ask for the behavior you want? I understand that the owners/people in charge want us to not do something. I’m a little contrary, especially when it comes
Are You Asking for a Not? Read More »
I’m working with a number of clients on changing how they work. Some of it is project portfolio work. Some of it is how they manage programs or how the product owners manage the backlogs and roadmaps. Even in my writing workshops, people have to change something to accomplish their goals. I’ve been asking this
What’s the Simplest Thing You Can Do? Read More »
The comments to How Do You Reply to a Thank You? made me think. (Thank you!!) I realized that being in a position of honor might trigger emotions you (and I) might not feel ready for. The first time someone told me how I had helped his career with one of my talks, I had
How Do You Feel When Others Honor You? Read More »
I thank people often, because people help me all the time. People carry things for me. They might help me over uneven ground/steps. In the grocery store, I often have to ask for help to reach the top shelves. Sigh. I have a bad case of TDS (too darn short). I say, “Thank you,” or “I
How Do You Reply to a Thank You? Read More »
I’m teaching my writing workshop this month. I made a point of explaining the difference between cycling between parts of the document and rewriting. I often cycle. I realize I forgot to say something key at the beginning. Or, I started the piece with one idea in mind and it morphed into something else. I
When Do You Refactor or Restart? Read More »
One of my coachees has a common problem. He has a ton of work he doesn’t want to do (the shoulds). He has some work that gives him joy that he wants to do. He has too much work overall. He’s stuck. He can’t quite get anything done because the work he wants to do
What Should You Do First? Read More »
I’ve been in a couple of Fitbit challenges to see who can walk “most” in a work-week. I’ve enjoyed them and have pushed myself a little each week, to see if I can do just a little bit more every day. One of the problems I have is that by Friday, I’m tired. I’ve been
How Do You Persist? Read More »
A few days ago, I asked Mark, “When do we need to replace our toothbrush heads? Mine looks like it’s done.” He told me, “Feb 1.” Okay, I could live with another few days. This morning, he left me a new toothbrush head on the counter. I laughed and teased him, “It’s not the 1st.
What Provides You Courage to Start? Read More »