Author name: Johanna

I help you identify and solve the problems that prevent you from releasing systems, hiring the right people, deciding which project to work on next. I take a pragmatic approach: what will work best for you, now? Some people call me a focuser. Some call me an accelerator. When I work with people, first we define our goal together. Typically, it's to get a better product out the door faster. I work with my clients to help managers figure out how to do the managing better, and how the technical contributors can contribute better, not to create a by-the-book system. I work with you, your staff, and your current product development practices. Together, we learn what works well for you and what doesn't. I believe in changing only what needs to be changed at the current time, to maximize your success. We work together to develop a blueprint for the future, and to build in capacity to recognize and implement change.

agile, MPD

An Agile Approach to a House Remodel

You might have noticed I’ve slowed my blogging in the past few weeks. I’m fine. I’ve been a product owner/customer for our new-to-us house remodel. In the last several weeks, almost every single day, Mark and I have taken some time to go over to the new house to see the progress and provide feedback

hiring process, HTP

What Does Your Interviewing Reveal About You?

Did you read When Did You Last “Shop” Your Candidate Experience? See the common complaints from candidates: Distracted interviewers Late or no-show interviewers Non-job relevant questions You don’t have to vie for a “Best Place to Work” award or a candidate experience award, or any award at all. You need to be authentic. That’s all.

agile, MPD

Design Your Agile Project, Part 4

If you are thinking of agile as part of a program, each team has to have its own approach to agile. Why? Because each team has its own risks and problems. You don’t need to standardize agile for anyone. If you treat people as if they are adults and explain the principles that you want

HTP, job search trap

Job Search Trap: Too Much to Do

Today’s job search trap is something we can all identify with: biting off a big chunk of work and not getting it to done fast enough. I suspect we have all been there and done that! How do you avoid this particular trap? I like to assess each of my tasks on my board and

newsletter

Three Secrets for a Successful Job Search

Three Secrets for a Successful Job Search Are you looking for a job? If you are, I bet you’ve received advice from many people–whether or not you wanted it. Here are my three secret ingredients for a successful search: Secret #1: Create a system that works for you. I happen to like personal kanban inside

cultural fit, HTP

Tech Managers: Time to Grow Up and Manage Like Humans

I read Technology’s Man Problem in the New York Times this weekend. I thought those days were long gone—but they’re not. Since when is it acceptable to make any comment about anybody’s body part at work? Hello? Are we in the 7th grade? I thought “men” were past that. The gentlemen I know are past

HTP, job search trap

Job Search Trap: Not Preparing for Each Interview

You’ve landed the interview. Congratulations! Now what? Make sure you can discuss your value in detail. If you haven’t done so, review your value as in Four Tips to Defining Your Value. For each and every interview, you want to research the organization and prepare for the interview. You want to understand the questions they

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