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"Poor management can increase software costs more rapidly than any other factor." (Barry Boehm)  Behind Closed Doors: Secrets of Great Management (Pragmatic Programmers) 
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Friday, September 24, 2004
but, but, but...
I've been spending time on planes lately, and have had plenty of time to catch up on my reading. (Well, I made some progress, but I'm really not caught up.) Some of the books have been better than others and some have been quite astonishing. I was struck by this advice offered in a book on conflict: "But" is the eraser on a pencil..."But" erases everything that came before it. People ...believe what they hear after "but" rather than what comes before it. This matches my experience. When someone says "I agree with you, but..." it feels like they are disagreeing, in spite of the first part of the sentence. When someone says "You did a good job, but I would have like the report sooner," the focus is on "I would have like the report sooner." The first part of the sentence is wiped out. Then he author goes on with instructions on where to properly insert the word "but" in a sentence in conflict situations. I think there's a better way. Rather than fuss with which clause goes before the "but," replace "but" with "and." "I agree with you and I'd like to offer a different view related to this point." "You did a good job and I would have liked the report sooner." "I was really frustrated and it was wrong of me to yell." Using "and" lets people focus on both clauses... and often that's the only way to move forward. "And" is a powerful way to begin to diffuse conflict. It lets both parties get past arguing the facts and get onto talking about what they both want. | Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Johanna's hiring book is out!
I've in a whirlwind since I returned from my India trip. The good news is I finished writing the articles for my newsletter, so that will be coming out in the next few weeks (on paper). Send me email with surface address if you would like to receive it. The big news is that Johanna Rothman's long-awaited book on hiring is out -- hot off the press. If you are a hiring manager this book is an invaluable resource. I highly recommend it! You can order it from Amazon or Dorset House. If you are attending SD Better Practices in Boston or Better Software in San Jose, you can by the book at the conference book store and have Johanna sign it. (She's my friend.) | Sunday, September 12, 2004
Ain't it grand
In response to my last post, Indian blogger Raj Waghray introduced himself and his blog. This is one of the things I love, love, love about blogging. Check out Raj's blog, I particularly liked this post on questions, inspired by Notes on the Role of Leadership and Language in Regenerating Organizations, based on conversations with Dr. Michael Geoghegan, and made available by SDmagazine. | Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Out and about
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