People and Teams

People and Teams

People and Teams Stories
Person in an office wearing noise-canceling headphones Are Headphones Hindering Your Office Communication?With all the chatter going on in offices, people often turn to headphones to block out the noise and be able to concentrate. Noise-canceling headphones block out distractions, but they can also block out communication. It may be a good idea to set some boundaries for their use so employees can still collaborate.
Sign saying "You got this" next to a laptop Brain Hacks to Engineer an Agile TransformationWhen we are presented with a decision, the subconscious determines what we’re most emotionally comfortable with, then fills in the gaps to justify choosing it. In other words: Our brains lie to us. Then how can we ever get out of our comfort zone? Believe in change and take an agile approach to incremental adoption.
Man wearing Birkenstock sandals When Casual Dress Is a Little Too CasualSome companies are shifting to a more casual dress code. This can lead to a more relaxed atmosphere, but what if an employee takes it a little too far? Don't let that be you. It's a good idea, especially if you're new to an organization, to observe the corporate culture, including the norms and expected behaviors.
Customer support team member Standing Up Your Product Help DeskGreat technical support is an integral part of any software commercialization plan. But how can you get high-quality tech support without breaking the bank? Here are some ways to economically provide technical support that adds value and educates customers on using your product correctly, safely, and effectively.
Agile team contributing in a brainwriting session Brainstorming 2.0: Generate Better Ideas with BrainwritingFor decades brainstorming has been our go-to method for ideation, yet it holds back our success when the environment doesn't encourage everyone to contribute. Instead, try brainwriting—writing ideas on paper and letting teammates iterate on them. It improves not only the quantity of ideas you get, but also the quality.
Software professionals at a table with assorted laptop computers The 4 C’s of Business SuccessBusiness success in the software world depends on many factors, but certain tactics apply whether the company is large or small, in a niche or a wide market. Organizations should focus on these four components—customers, competition, content, and creativity—to craft a smart strategy for success.
Smiling woman attending a software conference 4 Tips for Convincing Your Boss to Send You to a ConferenceYou’ve found the industry conference you want to attend. You know the content at the event is going to help you grow your skills, and in your mind, the capital and time expenditure is clearly justified. So why is it not that easy to get your boss to agree? Here are four tips for convincing your boss to send you.
Game pieces with one leader in the front Advice for New LeadersOne of the more challenging tasks for a new leader is joining a new organization. There is an interesting balance that must be struck in making it clear that there’s a new sheriff in town without being disrespectful or dismissive of your predecessor and the organization they established. Here's how to get it right.