Agile
Time Pressure Improves Productivity & Quality…Up to a Point (via Mountain Goat Software)
- There’s a U-shaped curve for productivity vs. pressure. Not enough pressure, and delivery is late. Too much pressure, and you’ll build something unsustainable (or burn people out).
- There’s a relationship between estimates and quality. Underestimating leads to rushing. Additional padding above an accurate measurement doesn’t yield as much benefit on quality.
Communication
Stop Zoning Out in Zoom Meetings (via Harvard Business Review)
- Decide before the meeting how you will contribute
- Acknowledge previous statements so people feel heard (and to deal with people talking over one another)
- Connect elements of the conversation to guide the conversation in a productive direction
- Keep a notepad near by to write down distracting thoughts (to revisit after the meeting), then re-focus on the meeting.
- Don’t be afraid to ask a question.
What Makes a Great Pitch (via Harvard Business Review)
- Be a master of the facts, but know that for an executive audience, your relevant experience matters most.
- Avoid pitches where only one person speaks.
- Be passionate about the problem, not just your product.
- Listen closely and respond carefully.
Good Leadership Is About Communicating “Why” (via Harvard Business Review)
- Most people skip this because they believe the what/how is more influential, and that the why is understood
- Start with some “what” questions to drive toward “why” (e.g., what will the future look like if this is done)
- Follow up with “because” (e.g., we need to improve because…)
20 questions to ask instead of “How are you doing right now?” (via Software Lead Weekly)
This set of questions is about making connections, focusing on team cohesion, and taking things a step further.
Creativity
The Upside of Perfectionism? Creativity. (via Harvard Business Review)
- You’re bothered by evidence running counter to your own (or the consensus) opinion.
- Your desire to understand everything pushes you to acquire more information.
- Your stubbornness leads to an innovative solution.
- Your competitiveness makes you scrappy, hustling to keep up with peers.
Leadership
5 Questions That (Newly) Virtual Leaders Should Ask Themselves (via Harvard Business Review)
- Am I being strategic enough?
- Have I revamped communication plans for my direct team and the organization at large?
- How might I reset roles and responsibilities to help people to succeed?
- Am I keeping my eye on (and communicating about) the big picture?
- What more can I do to strengthen our company culture?
Our book club discussed setting organizational direction, close out/solve/delegate, opportunity and membership, and selecting project leads.
Digital Transformation Is About Talent, Not Technology (via Harvard Business Review)
- Invest in the people who can make the technology useful
- Traits like high learnability and curiosity will outlast any technical skill
- Drive change from the top, as it’s more likely to succeed
- Measure data and drive your decisions from it
- If you don’t operate in a fail-fast environment where you can run small experiments, make sure you “succeed slowly”
Maybe Failure Isn’t the Best Teacher (via Harvard Business Review)
In aversion learning, there has to be a large enough threshold for people to learn. Some people choose to ignore personal failures to protect their egos. Having a growth mindset — knowing you can change and grow — is key.
Productivity
Zapier’s Guide to Remote Work (via Software Lead Weekly)
This site has links to all kinds of remote working subtopics… tools, workspace design, communication tips, automation, management, etc.