re: Best Practices for: Automated Testing; Career Development; Software Feature Sets (keeping it simple), from Michael Vax: Industry Leading Vice-President of Product Development at Blackboard

jointer — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 23:19:28 GMT

I have advocated the, 'Let's keep it simple!' maxim in a number of my posts and I am pleased to see the same philosophy offered here by Michael. Unfortunately, like many things in life, it cannot easily be taught! We all seem to be destined to learn its value by experience.

Those of you who have children will know exactly what I mean. Despite our best efforts as parents to help our children avoid the mistakes that we made, it feels better when you 'stop banging your head against the wall'.

At times, coaching more juniour employees can feel a little bit the same. You definitely don't want to discourage ideas or enterprise but you cannot give people too much latitude either.

I would also like to add support to Michael's comment about management. If you can, definitely find a way to 'try before you buy'. Management definitely isn't for everyone. All too often people tend to view it as a natural career progression, a measure of success, and, let's not be shy, making more money. However, a poor choice can have the opposite effect on your career. As far as the money goes, I know of several situations where outstanding technical people make far more than managers.

As one gets 'older' it is easier to see the vital importance of the balance between career and quality of life. Again, unfortunately, that is something that only tends to come with experience and maturity. The curious thing is that at that point you often become a more effective and productive employee. A more content, relaxed person is a more productive employee. It isn't simply a matter of what you know. It is also the ability to think clearly and act efficiently. You cannot readily do that when under high stress. There is no question that stress affects brain chemistry. The competitive nature and stress of today's world often reduces our effectiveness.

You will hear people say that they work best under stress. This is all relative. We all need sufficient stress to motivate us and what works for one person can be quite different for another. Don't fall into the trap of trying to emulate a 'high energy' person becuase you think that is the expected norm. We are all different. Find your own 'sweet spot' and you will do the best for you. Introverts are people too, and I know some very effective ones. Of course, exroverts are better but that is a purely personal, extremely biased viewpoint :).

Cheers
Graham J.

Interesting Finds: July 14, 2006

Jason Haley — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 06:13:23 GMT

re: Best Practices for: Automated Testing; Career Development; Software Feature Sets (keeping it simple), from Michael Vax: Industry Leading Vice-President of Product Development at Blackboard

Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS,I.S.P., sibaraki@cips.ca — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 17:48:32 GMT

In a chat with Michael,he mentioned an Agile 2006 conference in Minneapolis on July 24th. We will do another interview blog in August or September about Agile Development--readers remind me :-)

Cheers,
Stephen Ibaraki

re: Best Practices for: Automated Testing; Career Development; Software Feature Sets (keeping it simple), from Michael Vax: Industry Leading Vice-President of Product Development at Blackboard

Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS,I.S.P., sibaraki@cips.ca — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 17:50:10 GMT

Graham,

I urge you to write a book about your experiences. I'm in active contact with Pearson Publishing (world's largest publisher) and could make an introduction :-)

Cheers,
Stephen Ibaraki