Welcome to My Blog
Why All The PowerPoint?
After a big software project goes haywire, the CEO often gets involved. Usually somewhere around the 18-month mark.
Most good CEOs start their involvement with an apology: “I’m so sorry I haven’t been more involved up until now. I haven’t supported you.”
Less introspective CEOs start by firing people.
If you’re lucky enough to work for a good CEO, there will be a mixed reaction to the mea culpa nonetheless. There’s a new sheriff in town, but painful change is surely nigh. The appeal of finally having the CEO’s ear wears off in about a day–right after he or she asks for a PowerPoint deck that recaps the goals and leadership structure of the project.
That deck should be somewhere on the wiki, but isn’t. If it’s out there at all, it’s out of date.
Great Product Owners Aren’t Visionaries
This week I’ve been thinking about the projects I’ve worked on that were successful--as well as those that weren’t--hoping to focus the coming year on the former. Not surprisingly, the past winners weren’t led by committees.
Play Yourself
recently read the following passage in Geoffrey Bellman’s “The Consultant’s Calling”, and it rang true to me. I’d add that I think his message applies to employees as well as consultants. Establish a consulting role that asks you to be–to “play”–yourself. Being a consultant is more comfortable than playing one. Even if you play the consultant role […]
Catch Someone
