3 Problem-Solving Techniques for Project ManagersManaging software development projects involves a lot of moving parts. You might come across bottlenecks and challenges to goals and objectives, and you need resolute methods for expediently addressing such issues. Here are three proven tools and techniques for managing time, planning resources, and solving problems.
Don’t Become a Slave to ProcessMore mature organizations are usually very process-disciplined, especially when teams are distributed. However, it’s dangerous to become overly reliant on process. People can become too complacent, accepting a process just to avoid having to make decisions. Here are some ways to keep your processes fresh and valuable.
Beware Confidence Masquerading as CompetenceSelf-confidence is essential to tackling difficult problems. Where we need to be careful is not being falsely overconfident. What’s behind that overconfidence can either help or hinder your solving issues and achieving a good result. Here's how to make sure that confidence is backed up by competence in your team.
Solving Problems and Seeking Solutions on an Agile TeamWhile teams are composed of individuals, all of whom solve problems and make decisions, people on consistently successful teams understand that they can be more effective when the focus is on the team, not the individual. Making the best decisions collectively delivers the most value to customers in the long run.
3 Ideas to Prevent ‘All Talk and No Action’ MeetingsWhen many people are speaking in a meeting but it never translates into meaningful actions later on, it can leave us frustrated. But with some planning and collaboration, we can facilitate ways to make it easier for people to communicate better. Here are three ideas for a little less conversation, a little more action.
Thinking Inside the Box before Venturing Outside ItIn their rush to solve a problem, teams often overlook conventional methods in favor of out-of-the-box ideas. But sometimes, the old standbys—thinking first, reviewing criteria, and asking questions—work the best. Before jumping to creative tactics, start by examining the possibilities readily available inside the box.
Does Testing Truly Improve Software?Without revealing problems, there is no problem-solving, since we can't solve something we aren’t aware of. Each solved problem is one fewer problem in the software—and the software is improved each time a problem is removed. But it's not testing alone that improves software. So when does that happen?
Revitalize Your Problem-Solving by Conducting a Solution AnalysisWhen you're solving a problem, it's a good idea to analyze a solution you come up with before implementing it. One way to do that is to ask what’s good about a proposed solution and what’s bad about it, focusing in particular on the impact of the solution. This way you can be sure you've thought everything through.
