People and Teams

People and Teams

People and Teams Stories
Robot manager standing over a person Automated Executives: Software Moves into People ManagementSome tech companies have created their own automated managers—software that can handle administrative and workflow processes typically presided over by humans, but in a fraction of the time. With so many typical management tasks able to be automated, are bosses going to land on the endangered species list? Not so fast.
A woman smiling while giving a great presentation 5 Tips for Giving a Polished PresentationMost software audiences appreciate solid content over performance pizzazz, but you don't want your demonstration to be a dud. You can learn a lot about how not to give a presentation from others' mistakes! If you'll be speaking at a conference or meeting soon, here are five tips for giving a polished presentation.
A woman holding a white mug reading “Like a boss,” photo by Brooke Lark 4 Common Mistakes New Managers MakeMaking the transition into a management role is a huge step—but also one fraught with opportunities to make mistakes. Having an inkling of some of the more common mistakes new managers make might help in avoiding them. Here are four mistakes to be on the lookout for so you don't make them as a new manager.
Street art of a worried woman with shattered face, photo by Chris Barbalis 4 Tips for Conquering Your Impostor SyndromeImpostor syndrome is the belief that you're inadequate and incompetent, despite evidence otherwise. It’s more than just insecurity; it’s persistent self-doubt about your accomplishments, and the feeling that any success must have been undeserved. Don’t sell yourself short. Here are four ways to beat impostor syndrome.
Crab on the beach, photo by Felipe Portella How to Deal with Crabby CoworkersWe've all had to deal with crabby coworkers—the people who have good technical skills but are a pain to work with. They grouse, gripe, and are generally negative. Luckily, there are more things you can do than just hope you don't have to interact with these people. Here are tips for dealing with your crabby coworkers.
Cover of the Summer 2018 issue of Better Software magazine What's in the Summer 2018 Issue of Better Software MagazineFor twenty years now, Better Software magazine has published articles offering helpful tips and techniques for those in the software industry. The new issue celebrates those two decades of knowledge-sharing—and, of course, gives you more ideas. Articles this issue focus on leadership and software quality.
Person about to slip on a banana peel 3 Mistakes Teams Make When Choosing a ScrumMasterOne cause of agile project failure is choosing the wrong person as your ScrumMaster. While a bad ScrumMaster is a problem for any team, it is particularly bad for teams new to agile, as the team won’t know they are being led down the wrong path. Here are three mistakes organizations make when choosing a ScrumMaster.
Calendar showing some already missed deadlines The Normalization of Deviance Could Be Hurting Your TeamNormalization of deviance refers to becoming blasé about counterproductive behavior or activities. The concept applies to processes that become ingrained in a team even though they contribute to negative outcomes, such as slipping deadlines. Employees become so accustomed to the deviance that, to them, it seems normal.