Agile
Why Agile Will Continue to Fail (via Software Lead Weekly)
Click-bait title based on someone who got burned by the “I learned about Scrum for two days, so we’re doing that now” trope. There were a few concepts that ring true — why have standup when you don’t need to meet today, why are non-technical people in charge of technical things? I liked the comparison of a Scrum Master to an “expo” in a restaurant.
Your Team is Killing Productivity (via Software Lead Weekly)
Another one of those “it depends” scenarios — long-lived teams, or “task forces” as the author calls them. I fall back to one of my mottos: Solve problems you actually have. Ask yourself whether your long-lived team is achieving the desired outcomes, or they’re just together because teams aren’t supposed to break up. Solve for what’s important to you.
Business
Case Study: Will a Bank’s New Technology Help or Hurt Morale? (via HBR)
This case study presents a dilemma of a half-baked IT solution for a bank being rolled out. What made the bank special was the human touch; but people are worn out and don’t like the system. Do they pause the rollout and take care of their people but risk not growing, or do they move forward?
Career
Let Your Top Performers Move Around the Company (via HBR)
Studies have shown that if you let people move around, they stay longer; think career lattices rather than career ladders. “Cross-functional collaboration increases, departmental cooperation is enhanced, innovation improves, and companies begin working more as one cohesive team instead of separate fiefdoms.”
Communication
The Science of Strong Business Writing (via HBR)
Neat article about the neuroscience of writing; seems relevant to what we do. The Eight S’s: simplicity, specificity, surprise, stirring language, seductiveness, smart thinking, social content, storytelling.
Conflict
The Problem with Saying “It’s No Big Deal” (via HBR)
It’s a cognitive distortion (minimization) that can beget further transgressions. Instead (1) treat “it’s no big deal” as a reminder to address the issue, (2) address the issue without ambushing the other person, (3) seek to have a conversation, not a confrontation.
Negotiation
We Often Overlook Opportunities to Negotiate (via HBR)
“Low-stakes negotiations — like asking your cable company for a better rate or asking for a discount when offering to pay cash — may sometimes not seem worth the effort. But what if ignoring or avoiding most low-stakes negotiation opportunities is keeping you from feeling confident and competent when approaching more high-stakes negotiations, like asking for a raise? If fear is keeping you from negotiating, it’s time to start using everyday encounters to practice, so you can build your confidence and competence for higher-stakes negotiations.”
Psychology
Why You Need to Protect Your Sense of Wonder — Especially Now (via HBR)
There are some practical tips for keeping awe in our lives… going for a walk and observing your surroundings, looking at images or listening to music that gives you goosebumps, seeking out uplifting stories, encouraging teams to share their moments.