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.

Articles

Agile Has Not Crossed the Chasm, A Contrarian View

Note: I wrote this article in 2011. It was published in 2012. I hope at some point this article will be wrong. I hear all the time from people that “Agile has crossed the chasm. Agile is everywhere. Agile has made inroads to every organization, to every industry, yes, to every type of software development. […]

Articles

Management Myth #11: The Team Needs a Cheerleader!

“We have mandatory all-hands meeting this afternoon. I’m going to have a stomachache then,” David said. “What do you mean?” Jenny asked. “You haven’t even had lunch yet. How do you know? What are you talking about?” “Look, you know what our wonderful division head, Martin, is going to say. He’s not going to take

Articles

Myth #5: We Can and Must Have an Objective Ranking System

“It’s time for our annual management meeting to rank everyone in engineering,” Don, the VP started to explain to his three directors. “Hold on a minute,” interrupted Dave, the development director. “We didn’t do this last year, because we explained we can’t be objective and it makes no sense. We thought we eliminated this nonsense.”

Articles

Management Myth #4: I Don’t Need One-on-Ones

“I know what the people in my group are doing, Johanna. Each and every one of them.” “But you have twenty-five people in your group, Stan,” I protested. “And I walk around and see what every single person is doing. I read their checkins, too. I know what they are doing.” I was working with

newsletter

Johanna’s 2012 New Year’s Tips

Johanna’s New Year’s Tips For the past three years, I’ve shared three tips with you just in time for New Year’s. This year is no exception. 1. Make time for reflection and observation. I bet this week has been a pleasure for you. You’ve either had a more relaxed week at work, because fewer people

cultural fit, HTP

Cultural Fit Trumps Competence? Maybe

Did you see Cultural Fit Trumps Competence? I don’t know that cultural fit trumps competence. I know that it’s critically important. For geeks, you need a minimum of technical skills and then cultural fit is critically important. I do agree with Feld that the more senior you are, the more cultural fit is critical. Why?

management, MPD

Who Do You Promote Into Management?

I vividly remember my first promotion into management. I was looking for a promotion to be a senior engineer. I asked for a promotion. I got a promotion into management. Was I ready? Oh no! I remember asking for another promotion. I was told, “You’re too valuable where you are.” I decided to make my

career, HTP

Volunteering: Set Yourself Apart in the Hiring Process

Today’s guest post is from Melissa Russell. As a consequence of the recent recession, many people have suddenly found themselves either unemployed or underemployed. Landing a job in this climate can be a challenge for anyone, so finding a way to separate yourself from the crush of applicants has become more important than ever before.

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