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

Outsourcing or Innovation

  I was reading An Elder Challenges Outsourcing’s Orthodoxy, yet another discussion about the merits — or not — of outsourcing. (You may have to register to read the article.) Whether you think outsourcing is an economic good or evil, here’s my perspective. You can choose to turn your products into commodities or you can

HTP, interview

Audition Tips for Testers

I decided to write a few articles on auditions. The first one is posted at Stickyminds, Watching Testers in Action: Auditions During Interviews. I received a request for someone to translate it into Russian. When he tells me it’s done, I’ll post the URL.

blog, MPD

Comments Back On

I’ve turned comments back on. The spammers were still getting through even though no one else was. If anyone has converted comments from one system to another commenting system, please send me email. I’m considering it.

HTP

No Comments for now

Some not very nice people are spamming my blogs with inappropriate comments, so I’ve turned off comments for now. Unfortunately, I only know how to make them all unseen, rather than than not post new ones. I have questions into my comments provider about that. I’ll turn commenting back on when I can make it

blog, MPD

Turned off Commenting

I have — I hope temporarily — turned off commenting. I’m getting spammed by irrelevant and inappropriate comments. I’ve deleted close to 100 today already, and I’m not ready to delete more. Send me email if you want to talk or know of an alternative.

MPD

How Long Should the Testing Take?

  When I do assessments, invariably someone says to me, “JR, how long should the testing really take? It takes our testers (4/5/6/30 insert your number of choice here) weeks, and we need it to take less time. Why can’t it take less time and how can we tell what’s going on so we know

hiring strategy, HTP

Hire People Different From You

While perusing some of the Joel on Software discussions, I saw the pointer to “Mini-me” syndrome…a major hiring risk for companies. Heather discusses her concerns: Recruiting from certain schools can prevent you from hiring the best — because that recruiting limits your intake of candidates. It tightens your screen before you’ve even gotten to resume

Articles

Watching Testers In Action: Auditions in Interviews

If you’ve been interviewing for a limited number of open positions, you know how hard it is to decide between two great candidates. If you’re already asking behavior-description questions about work and cultural fit, consider adding auditions to your interviewing toolbox. Watch a Candidate in Action Auditions help you see a candidate work—either literally or

management, MPD

Managers Manage Actions Including Decisions

  My colleague, a senior manager, is inundated with too much to do. Hundreds of emails, seven of hours of meetings every day, hundreds of emails, hiring the next level managers so he doesn’t have to backfill, project portfolio management, and backfill of those management roles not yet filled. My colleague is trying to manage

MPD, writing

Short Essay About Writing by Stephen King

Read “Everything You Need to Know About Writing Successfully – in Ten Minutes”, and when you’re done chuckling, note the necessary ideas: His point #5: throw away reference books. This works for all first drafts. I don’t care if you’re writing a novel, a spec, or code. It works. Interrupting flow and what do you

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