We are still learning the ins and outs of our new house, including the HVAC system. We have a nifty heat pump system. Now, I know what you are thinking, because I thought it, too. “You live in New England, Johanna. A heat pump? What are you thinking?” We have backup radiators for when the […]
Where Is the Manual? Read More »
If you’ve read any of my project management writing, you know I’m a huge fan of replanning. We had a chance to do that with our house remodel. I have a space in my new office that used to be a closet. We planned to open it up and create what I call a “nook,”
When Is It Time to Replan? Read More »
Some people fear failure. Some people, like me, fear mediocrity. Other people, fear success. Don’t worry. You can be human and fear all of them in different circumstances! But if you fear success, you are not alone. Maybe you’ve been trying to accomplish something for a long time. You may have convinced yourself that what
What If I Succeed? Read More »
This week’s question of the week is, “What can I control?” I was thinking about this in several dimensions. I was talking with a client manager, who was bemoaning his lack of potential influence across the organization. “I don’t have enough influence to do what I want.” I asked him this question, “What can you
What Can I Control? Read More »
We’re in the middle of a deep freeze, here in the Northeast. It’s cold, even for the Boston area. Yes, we have heat in the house. I have heat in my office. But, when the sun goes down, or before the sun comes up, the house is awfully cold. I’ve taken to wearing my green
My Superman Cape is Fleece Read More »
How do you walk downstairs? I suspect you walk downstairs the way most people do: facing forwards. What about with a cup of tea in your hands? Do you still walk forwards? This past summer, when I had an acute back problem, radiculopathy, I found it impossible to balance and walk downstairs to my office
Forwards, Backwards, Who Cares? Read More »
I was sitting on the wall, chatting with Eddie, a colleague, at the Gaylord mega hotel in Nashville. I’m at the Agile 2013 conference. I recognized the female gardener as she walked by and greeted her. She asked if the Eddie, the gentleman sitting next to me was my son. I was nonplussed, surprised, and
How Old Are You on the Inside? Read More »
Thursday is garbage day on our street. And, today, this Thursday, Mark is out of town. He’s due back tonight, but the garbage pickup will be long done by then. When we spoke last night, he said, “Just forget about it. It’s not that much. We can leave the garbage for another week.” Well, maybe
A New Way to Take Out the Garbage Read More »
One of the biggest potential stumbling blocks to our adaptability is our mental models, the way we see the world. I had a funny example of that this week, with my home physical therapist. The good thing about a home physical therapist (PT) is that I get feedback on the way I am doing my
Our Mental Models Affect Our Problem Solving Read More »
I had knee replacement surgery a week ago. I tore my left ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) 28 years ago, had experimental surgery to replace it 27 years ago–it seemed like a great idea at the time–and the repair failed at least 15 years ago. So I’ve been walking around without an ACL for a very
What’s the Real Question? Read More »