people management

Tips for Coaching Agile Teams

To succeed as an agile coach, you need to understand the skills and mastery that the position requires. Here, Venkatesh Krishnamurthy shares some tips that will help you coach an agile team. Remember, it has been found that successful leaders have creative traits rather than reactive ones.

How to Get People to Agree with YouIn software development and testing we often encounter situations in which someone just isn't being very agreeable. Sometimes intelligent, reasonable people just don’t get it. The good news is those people probably haven’t gone temporarily stupid, so you can stop banging your head against a wall.
The Power Index: Why a Transition to Agile Is a Cultural Issue, TooIn countries with high power indices, it’s more difficult for people in less powerful positions to talk to people in more powerful positions. A transition to agile exposes this power differential, which can be uncomfortable or intimidating. Read on for ways you can help people adopt agile practices.
Should a Leader Do or Should a Leader Lead?

Common thinking is that a leader should be the best doer or the best doer should always be the first choice leader. But if we look at the dimensions of skills alone, leading and doing require very different skill sets. So the essential question is—Should a leader do or should a leader lead?

Four Truths Every Manager Should Learn

Many managers seem to be in the wrong position. They don’t know or don’t care about management, and that leads them to do crazy things. It’s OK to be an unseasoned manager. Everyone starts somewhere. But you must be willing to ask for help and not think you have all the answers. Read on for advice.

The Pros and Cons of In-House Web Developers and Design AgenciesShould you go with an in-house web developer or an outside agency? The employees you have at your disposal, how much money you’re willing to spend, and the type of work you’re hoping to get out of the partnership all influence this decision. There are pros and cons to both. Read on for advice.
The Power of IgnoranceIt’s a challenge to keep up with the software industry given all the available channels of information. Yet, we try hard to be confident and appear knowledgeable. Steve Berczuk writes why this isn’t a good thing and how there is power in being ignorant.
The Subtle Issue of Dishonesty in the WorkplaceDishonesty in the workplace sounds like a straightforward topic. But the line between honesty and dishonesty—and what makes any of us honest or dishonest—is sometimes a little blurry. What about taking a pen from the supply cabinet? Is that dishonest (and, if so, might you yourself be a thief)?