Beware of Success StoriesThe tendency to look back and think you know what contributed to a success is called survivorship bias. It occurs when you make a decision or take some action based on past successes while ignoring past failures. That's why it's important to approach reports of successful projects with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Trusting Your Data: Garbage In, Garbage OutPoor quality input will always produce faulty output. Improper validation of data input can affect more than just security; it can also affect your ability to make effective business decisions. Bad data can have impacts on how you make quantitative decisions or create reports, if you can’t trust the data you receive.
Lessons Learned from Product FailuresBeing agile is all about learning from failures and building on experiences. This applies to not just individuals, but even to large organizations. The key is being transparent and objective in accepting and understanding failures, and taking away lessons for future actions and decisions. Just keep innovating.
Superior Leaders Ask the Tough QuestionsInspiring quotes can be motivating, but there's more to good leadership. New leaders may feel compelled to find clever and memorable things to say, when in reality, they should probably focus less on what they’re saying and more on what they’re hearing. The best leaders ask good questions and listen to the answers.
Migrating a Database? Consider These Factors FirstDatabase migration is usually performed with a migration tool or service. Migrating one database to another actually involves migrating the schemas, tables, and data; the software itself is not migrated. Whatever the reason for migration, before you start, explore the options and take these considerations into account.
Great Testing Comes from Great QuestionsTesting is all about gathering information, and the most direct way to gather information is by asking questions. The more questions we ask (tests we perform), the more answers we receive (information we gain). But some questions are harder than others and require more human involvement. Let automation handle the easy!
Coaching Senior Management to Be AgileEmbracing an agile mindset isn’t always easy, and it can be especially difficult for senior managers who spent most of their careers working in more traditional development methodologies. By trying to speak the same language and demonstrating successful self-organization, teams can help senior management become agile.
Your Vacation Time Should Be Your Vacation TimeMany people can’t take all the vacation time they’re entitled to. Some take it, but they're so constantly in contact that they might as well be in the office. Taking time off reduces stress, improves focus, and even increases productivity once you're back at work, so even if you can't travel, take your vacation time.
