I once read somewhere that smiles (much like yawns!) are contagious. I found that observation interesting. I had to see it for myself. I started consciously smiling to people. What do you know. It works. It gets better. It seems that smiling actually makes you happier. So by spreading smiles, you’re actually making everyone aroundContinue reading “On A Positive Note”
Tag Archives: Management
Promotion Is Not A Bonus
I work with managers of varying levels on a daily basis. CEOs, CTOs, team leads – I’ve worked with them all. One emerging pattern I noticed is that many of them are simply terrible managers. They may have been very good at their previous role. They do not seem to be half as good atContinue reading “Promotion Is Not A Bonus”
It’s All Or Nothing, Part 2
Every once in a while, it’s time to get a raise. With inflation, and a growing skill set, it makes sense. As a contractor, I usually stick to one of two opportunities to secure a rate increase. I would ask for a higher rate when assigned greater responsibility. I would also increase my rate whenContinue reading “It’s All Or Nothing, Part 2”
Get Off The Script
I just called a broker about a mortgage. The person on the other side of the line was extremely nice. We had a pleasant conversation, and I really felt I was getting a personal service. This was great. And then, half way through the process, she started reading the marketing spiel off her script. AboutContinue reading “Get Off The Script”
Not Good Enough
I’m a perfectionist. I know a lot of people testify this about themselves. But I truly am. Nowadays, there seems to be a trend of “good enough”. It stems from a sensible idea that the final 20% of the work will add marginal value (not to be confused with the 80/20 rule). I get that.Continue reading “Not Good Enough”
A Gun For Hire
I’m a contractor. I am the director of my own small company and my services are for hire. Since I usually advise in a lead or senior capacity, I get to experience hiring from both directions. I have to say I find the process lacking. My assumptions are these: – A contractor is a seniorContinue reading “A Gun For Hire”
A Sharp Corner
I am often tempted to take shortcuts. What could possibly go wrong if I don’t wear my seat belt, it’s a short ride anyway. What could possibly happen if I delay scanning this document – I’ll get to it later. The answer is everything. Everything can go wrong. And often, it will. When it does,Continue reading “A Sharp Corner”
No Alarms And No Surprises, Please
Very few things can stress me as much as uncertainty. When a deadline is looming, when a big decision is about to be made… Seconds stretch like hours. I sometimes wish I had a fast-forward button for life. I’ve been on the other side of the fence, too. I’ve worked sleepless nights to deliver toContinue reading “No Alarms And No Surprises, Please”
Trust Me, You Can Trust Me
I’m more efficient when I work from home. The office has more distractions for me. The commute to the office drains me. The lunch break is longer when I’m in the office. I know this isn’t true for everybody. But it’s true for many people. Most polls I’ve seen had people preferring some percentage ofContinue reading “Trust Me, You Can Trust Me”
It’s All Or Nothing
I dislike negotiations. In my head, it is coupled with dishonesty. Both sides know the value of the goods or services offered. Instead of shaking hands on that value, both try to get a better deal. I believe that a good deal is one where both sides are equally happy (or unhappy). I also believeContinue reading “It’s All Or Nothing”
Optimising My Life 