2010's Small New Year’s Eve Tip: Start Small
I hope you are enjoying your holidays.
Last year, I suggested you Timebox, Not Scopebox, especially if you resolve to change something. That issue was so well received, I decided to send you another small tip. So, here is your small tip for New Year's Eve, 2010.
If you're considering a change in your life, start small.
Maybe 2011 is the year you will actively look for a promotion. Ok, what first small step can you take that will help you get there? Is it reading about your field? Maybe it's a discussion with your manager.
Maybe 2011 is the year you will start writing. My first step was to write 10 minutes a day. That's all. Just 10 minutes. See how you feel about your progress after a few days, and you can make another decision about whether to increase your time or not.
Maybe 2011 is the year you will work on the project portfolio and stop the multitasking madness. What first step do you need to take? Maybe it's taking 10 minutes to write down all the projects you know about. Maybe it's asking your colleagues to work with you in a 30-minute meeting to write down all the projects you have as a team. Maybe it's investigating why multitasking doesn't work when you're constantly switching among several projects. (If that's your problem, email me, and I'll send out another Pragmatic Manager explaining why.)
Resolutions may be good for you. They aren't for me. But no matter how you want to change, start with small steps. Preferably, something you can do in one 30-minute timebox or less.
Small steps allow you to try something, assess the results and make another decision. Try it. You'll like it!
Thinking About Training in 2011?Maybe one of your small steps is training, to see if you demo partway through your projects, or reduce the number of hot fixes, or see how to be more effective with your testing. Take a look at my workshops page for all the details.
Manage Your Project Portfolio…
Have a great New Year’s and I’ll see you in 2011.
Johanna
© 2010 Johanna Rothman
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