If you have an important implementation date, early identification of the minimum viable product is a vital risk-management step that helps focus your team’s attention on what's important. Rather than apologizing for intelligent phasing of functionality to manage risk, explain it to stakeholders and take credit.

Some companies are shifting to a more casual dress code. This can lead to a more relaxed atmosphere, but what if an employee takes it a little too far? Don't let that be you. It's a good idea, especially if you're new to an organization, to observe the corporate culture, including the norms and expected behaviors.

For decades brainstorming has been our go-to method for ideation, yet it holds back our success when the environment doesn't encourage everyone to contribute. Instead, try brainwriting—writing ideas on paper and letting teammates iterate on them. It improves not only the quantity of ideas you get, but also the quality.