When are enough requirements enough? Is the minimum viable product enough? How do we get it right for initial launch and then put an iteration plan in place?
Here are some ideas on getting to the first stage of done: Continue reading
Author Archives: Bob Reid
Outsourcing Innovation
Does your workplace encourage innovation? While you might rightly answer yes, you may unknowingly use practices that discourage opportunities for innovation. This post is about common practices that, while effective, may actually remove the best opportunities for new ideas. Continue reading
Ask, Don’t Tell
Another interesting “active listening” technique that I’ve learned by observation is: reframing a statement as a question. in other words, Ask, Don’t Tell. For example: if you “ask” someone when something should be completed, instead of “telling” them when it’s due, you will get a much more thoughtful/active response. You also don’t take ownership away from the other person. (You do want them to take ownership and not come to you with every problem or question, right?) Continue reading
WAIT – Why am I Talking
I learned a new acronym last year that may help me become a better listener and better interviewer. WAIT means “Why am I Talking”. In other words, ask yourself if you should be listening instead of talking. It’s an important part of our jobs as web design, developers, and managers (or any job really) to deliver a solution that both meets the client’s needs and our own self-expectations. We can’t interpret our client’s needs if we don’t listen, repeat what we heard, and narrow the scope down to the essential parts crucial to success. Continue reading