collaboration

Collaboration—puzzle pieces Collaborative, High-Functioning Teams Start with Agile Managers

We often assume that management is pure overhead and adds little value. But management is necessary for teams to be successful. Teams sometimes need help creating environments where it’s easier to make the right decisions in a timely manner. A culture of delegation and trust starts with a good manager.

Steve Berczuk's picture
Steve Berczuk
Open office layout The Myths behind Brainstorming, Open Office Plans, and Collaboration

More companies are moving to some version of open offices or pod configurations in hopes of inspiring collaboration and improving productivity. But does it work? If you consult efficiency studies, the answer tends to be no. In fact, increasing proximity is shown to decrease productivity and creativity.

Linda Hayes's picture
Linda Hayes
Man working remotely Tips and Tools for Successfully Working Remotely

Remote work is becoming more common, so understanding how to work better remotely is valuable, especially if your company doesn’t have an established policy about it. Collaboration technology continues to improve, making communicating and cooperating with collocated coworkers even easier.

Steve Berczuk's picture
Steve Berczuk
Workplace grudge The Cost of Holding a Grudge against a Coworker

Grudges zap your energy and divert your attention to things that are irrelevant, counterproductive, and, worst of all, negative. But the cost of holding onto a grudge isn’t just mental or emotional. Hang onto a grudge for too long and it can trigger a stress response that can also be damaging professionally.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Hiring for Your Best Software Team Possible

Software teams spend a lot of time thinking about processes and requirements for development so that we can build great software systems. However, we seem to think much less about how to hire the people for the teams that will build those systems. Consider these points to assemble your best possible team.

Steve Berczuk's picture
Steve Berczuk
Woman listening Develop Your Listening Skills to Become a Better Leader

Listening is key to effective people management and professional mastery, but it may be the most underrated leadership skill. Having a model for what good listening is, and some techniques to practice, can help you become not only a better listener, but also a better leader and learner.

Steve Berczuk's picture
Steve Berczuk
A holistic view of test automation Agile Demands a Holistic View of Testing and Automation

Is your team struggling to transform your traditional testing methods, techniques, and tools in the context of an agile culture? The accountability for the right level of quality delivered at the right time belongs to the collective team. It's important to make decisions together about what value means.

Michael Sowers's picture
Michael Sowers
Want to Be More Influential at Work? Just Smile

Studies show smiling at work can make you seem much more like someone others can trust, rather than a grouch who will give them a hard time. Plus, smiling at people makes them want to smile back, so smiling and being cheerful can help you in interactions involving negotiation, persuasion, and collaboration.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten