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.

MPD, writing

Agileconnection Wants You!

If you follow the Agile Journal, you know that it was hacked beyond repair last fall. I was quiet about wanting more articles. But now, the site is up and ready for business. Go look at agileconnection.com. I wrote a column about how things have changed in From Agile Journal to Agile Connection: A Look

cultural fit, HTP

Is Your Manager Candidate Authentic?

One of the best things about the comments on my Vistage blog post is that they are getting my juices flowing. I’ve already stated I don’t like assessments, that I prefer auditions. See Creating Auditions for Senior Managers for more details. The question about current industry standard for cultural fit got me thinking. I don’t

cultural fit, HTP

Creating Auditions for Senior Managers

If you’re trying to select a manager, you want one who fits your organization. I hope you’ve read my blog post over at Vistage. If you read the comments, you see I’m not into surveys or psychometric assessments. BTW,  I find it useful for me to know about myself, but not for others to use

HTP, interview

Hiring Managers: Asking About Integrity

I once said that Integrity is the Most Important Requirement in a Manager. I still believe that. But you can’t just ask, “How much integrity do you have?” That’s a leading question. Or, what if you are a company like Enron, where the entire upper management culture was one of deceit? You have to get

Hiring Geeks That Fit, HTP

My guest post for Vistage will go live on Jan. 8!

Vistage is a peer coaching and advisory group that “helps executives become better leaders, solve their business challenges, and get better results”. I have been asked to provide a ‘Quick Start Guide to Hiring Effective Executives’ and it will go live on their blog on Jan. 8, 2013. If you are looking for practical tips

MPD, program management

Programs, Titles, and Business Value

I keep hearing a lot about “chief” this and “chief” that when it comes to Big Agile, aka program management. You know, chief product owner, chief architect, that kind of thing. I’m kind of puzzled. I thought agile was all about self organization and no command-and-control. Chief anything reeks of command-and-control to me. At the

Hiring Geeks That Fit, HTP

Hiring Geeks That Fit is Done!

Hiring Geeks That Fit is done. You have choices for where to buy it: On leanpub, where you can still decide what to pay. On Amazon where I decided what you pay: Am I excited? Yes. I am now an indie author. Holy smokes! George has already posted his review.Thank you George! If you have

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