Can You Have Too Much Communication?In matters of communication, more is not necessarily better. Sure, too little communication can result in low morale, confusion, and mistakes, but too much communication can be just as bad. If everyone is busy communicating, no one is getting work done. Read on to learn about quality communication.
Management Fads and How to Avoid ThemWhen a new management fad comes along, it may sound great and gain rapid acceptance. Some organizations do succeed using a popular new concept—but sustaining it takes time, training, effort, money, and high-level support, and several of these are often lacking. Learn how to spot a fad in the making.
How to Hire a Versatile, Effective LearnerHiring based on the specific skill set your team uses now seems like a good idea, but what about a year from now? Will you have moved on to new technology or practices, and will your new hire be left in the dust? It's better for the long-term health of your company to hire a quick, adaptive learner.
Project Management Is Not a Dirty WordSome people dislike the idea of agile project managers, but for teams transitioning to agile, there is a place for management. That place is creating an environment in which the team learns how to self manage. Read on to discover how a PM should offer support and servant leadership to an agile team.
Using Experiential Activities to Teach Software Development ConceptsExperiential learning, or using activities such as simulations, helps people glean lessons on their own rather than having that knowledge presented to them. Activities need not be lengthy to be effective. In fact, simple exercises can help a team understand the complexities of software development.
Work Shouldn’t Be Fun—or Should It?No one would favor unpleasant jobs over ones that are enjoyable, but in some people’s view, the use of intentional efforts to generate fun can have just the opposite effect. Are you for birthday parties, evening outings, and corporate retreats, or do you think work shouldn't be all fun and games?
Feedforward Can Help Provide Good FeedbackA recent study concluded that traditional performance appraisal systems do not improve performance. Adobe, Juniper, and even Microsoft have abandoned traditional performance appraisal systems. Anuj Magazine looks at traditional feedback systems and examines the feedforward method.
Performance Review Dos and Don’tsPerformance reviews rarely rank high on the list of responsibilities managers enjoy. Giving feedback can be awkward and uncomfortable. Still, some things can make the experience more productive. Read on for advice about preparing for reviews and offering critiques that will be constructive for all.
