People and Teams

People and Teams

People and Teams Stories
A Novel Approach to Saying No to Your Manager

People say you shouldn't manage your manager. But when you reach a point when you are overwhelmed with work, it’s time to fend for yourself and say no. However, you don't have to use threats or ultimatums. Read on to learn how you can stand up to your manager without sacrificing tact—or your job.

A Win-Win versus a Win-Lose Approach to Conflict

Too often when people address a conflict, they take an I-win-you-lose approach. That distracts from focusing on opportunities for agreement and can make ongoing relationships difficult. When people have to work together, the wise approach is one that serves the best interests of both parties.

Is It Possible to Stay Ahead of Technology Shifts?

Staying ahead of technology shifts is one of the key challenges that organizations face, but is it possible to always stay ahead? Anuj Magazine highlights how some of the top companies have succeeded and failed to stay ahead of technology shifts, including Microsoft, Cisco, Nokia, Apple, and Google.

Can Google Glass Help Those with Autism?

Brain Power, a Cambridge start-up, is attempting to use Google Glass to help those on the autism spectrum who may have difficulty learning and interacting, including social interactions, speech delays, learning to control certain behaviors, and help with recognizing and forming abstract groupings.

Ignore the Data at Your Own Risk

At work, the evidence of something worth paying attention to is often front and center, and yet we dismiss it. If you ignore the data—negative survey results, team member absences, an increase in bugs, stakeholders who repeatedly miss meetings, etc.—you could be overlooking signs of trouble.

How Challenging Your Beliefs Can Improve Your Work

The psychological term "confirmation bias" means that once you have a certain belief, you tend to see evidence that supports that belief and to ignore, belittle, or miss evidence that refutes it. This can make you narrow-minded. Instead, try to seek evidence that challenges or refutes your beliefs.

What Do You Do When You’re Stuck on a Problem?Some problems we can resolve on our own in a couple of minutes. Some take more time, or we can’t resolve them alone. What do you do then? Johanna Rothman suggests scheduling a timebox to find a solution alone, then if that doesn't work, using one of the ideas in this story to "unstick" yourself.
Are You a Victim of Ubiquitous Computing?Ubiquitous computing—anywhere, anytime computing—is on the rise. And while the benefits of anywhere, anytime computing are numerous, there are new and invisible risks that cannot be ignored. Rajini Padmanaban looks at ubiquitous computing and its effect on society.