264 posts from: Berkun blog
Truths, myths and lies
(Indexed 2013-04-19):
There are two different uses of the word myth: Afalsehood, as in “the weight loss myth” A story with metaphorical truth even if not factually accurate I spend time on this blog debunking factual myths, even for things as boring asmythical numbers in schedule estimates, because I have expertise and believe people who read my [...]
On Getting Old
(Indexed 2013-04-15):
I’m 41 years old today and I never expected to live this long. Although I’ve spent more time in hospitals than I’d have liked, my lifespan expectations were not born from a specific reason. I simply recall as a teenager imagining the totality of my life and somehow those imaginations never got far past 30. [...]
On Getting Old(er)
(Indexed 2013-04-15):
I’m 41 years old today and I never expected to live this long. Although I’ve spent more time in hospitals than I’d have liked, my lifespan expectations were not born from a specific reason. I simply recall as a teenager imagining the totality of my life and somehow those imaginations never got far past 30. [...]
Making Things Happen: Kindle edition news
(Indexed 2013-03-20):
I’ve heard a handful of reports of issues with the Kindle edition of Making Things Happen. I talked to O’Reilly Media and they tracked down the issue. Apparently there was a pirated version of the book listed on Amazon that some people purchased. It has been taken down. The real, official version can be found [...]
In Defense of Remote work (and Marissa Mayer)
(Indexed 2013-02-27):
Recently Yahoo CEO Marrisa Mayer decreed that working from home would be banned at the company. In a company memo she wrote: To become the absolute best place to work, communication and collaboration will be important, so we need to be working side-by-side. That is why it is critical that we are all present in [...]
How do you hire for culture?
(Indexed 2013-02-25):
Bob Sutton wrote bravely about the No Asshole Rule, and how talent should never excuse destructive behavior. It’s a rule many companies are afraid to follow and they pay later. By the time leaders realize there’s something broken in the culture, it’s hard to fix. Avoidingassholes is certainly progress for some companies, but but that’s [...]
Quote of the month: Steinbeck on writing
(Indexed 2012-12-24):
Steinbeck on writing: Writing is a very silly business at best. There is a certain ridiculousness about putting down a picture of life. And to add to the joke – one must withdraw for a time from life in order to set down that picture. And third one must distort one’s own way of life [...]
What I learned going back to UX school
(Indexed 2012-12-10):
Last week I was on an expert panel, giving feedback to final project presentations at the HCDE 518 User Centered Design course at the University of Washington,taughtby Douglas Pyle. Its always fun to see what students are doing. They are the future after all. My fellow experts were Matt Shobe, Larry Sisson and Marcos N. [...]
Idea beginnings and endings
(Indexed 2012-11-26):
The beginning of a very bad idea often feels very good. And the beginning of a very good idea can feel very bad. Even the sharpest intuition is wrong much of the time about where an idea will lead. Sometimes what seems like a great idea at first falls apart as you develop it, but [...]
Lessons from 24 hours offline
(Indexed 2012-11-23):
On a whim I decided to spend all of yesterday offline. No email, no Facebook, nothing.I used to have a habit of doing food and other fasts, but its been a long time since I’ve done a fast of any kind. Here’s what I learned: I was twitchy and cranky for the first 2 hours. [...]
Eight ways to avoid killing your family over the holidays
(Indexed 2012-11-21):
We love and hate our families. We want to be with some of them, but after a few hours can’t stand others. Going home for the holidays means confronting an intense mix of pleasures and fears that we never figure out until its time to leave. Here’s some advice for surviving your family this holiday [...]
What I learned from Powerpoint Karaoke
(Indexed 2012-11-20):
Everyone has fears about regular public speaking, but what ifyou have to present someone else’s slides? And see them for the first time as the audience does? And only have 5 minutes? And the slides auto-advance? I believe in the theory oftrying something insanely hard to make normal work feel easier. As a public speaking [...]
How to find your voice
(Indexed 2012-11-14):
You have to play a long time to be able to playlike yourself – Miles Davis There is a paradox you must accept if you want to find your voice: it takes work. This iscounterintuitive because all of the great voices we admire, whether we find them in reading John Updike or Ray Bradbury, or [...]
Seven Problems with American Elections
(Indexed 2012-11-05):
America is one of the greatest countries the world and is often heralded as the best example of democracy (or republic if you want to be a stickler) in the world. Yet there are issues with how voting works in the U.S. worthy of examination. There are better ways to handle some of the details. [...]
Notes from Failcon 2012 – part 1
(Indexed 2012-10-22):
Here are my notes from Failcon 2012, a conference about learning from failure. You regular readers know I love to write and study failure(see what to do when things go wrong). It’s hard to make an event about failure work as most people most of the time feel shame about failure, even though it’s an [...]
New site is live: report any issues here
(Indexed 2012-10-11):
Thanks for bearing with us. The new design is live and the basics are working. We’re working on fixing the twitter/fb/feed buttons, and the mailing list signup form. If you find other issues, from broken links or things on fire (that shouldn’t be) please report them here. Thanks. Known issues: We’re still dealing with some [...]
Innovation is an illusion
(Indexed 2012-09-27):
Here is a great thought experiment: Consider the last time you walked into a convenience store to get a soda. Perhaps you grabbed a snack or two, waited in line to pay, and left. Did anything in the experience seem...Related posts:The Kindle’s place in Innovation historyThings I missHow to kill innovation hypeUnderstanding Apple (Apple now the #1 Music retailer)What do you miss from the past?
9 ways to understand how ideas spread
(Indexed 2012-09-17):
A reader named Niko, who is working on a PhD in social network analysis, asked me for my favorite sources about how ideas spread: I am doing a PhD in the field of social network analysis in which I try...Related posts:Idea helpers: ways to grow ideasIdea killers: ways to stop ideasFree Webinar: The Myths of Innovation, liveAll ideas are made of other ideasWhere do your ideas die? (With a bad illustration)
Lessons learned from my bad habits
(Indexed 2012-09-05):
Since leaving WordPress.com to return to writing full time, a surprise has been the decline in my writing habits. It has taken taken months to get them back. As an exercise in sharing what I learn with you here on...Related posts:Lessons learned: radio interviewBook tour: lessons learnedThe age of the platform: lessons on self-publishing from 4 time authorChapter 4: LondonHave a novel in you? Prove it (National novel writing month)
Get your name in Mindfire 1.1: just take a picture!
(Indexed 2012-08-30):
Among other writing projects, I’ve been working on a revised and cleaned up version of Mindfire: Big Ideas for Curious Minds. The original printing had a long list of minor issues I’ve wanted to fix. Here’s a partial list of...Related posts:Help me find photos for the new bookContest: Most worn out book wins $100 prizePhotos from last night’s talkCountdown begins: Mindfire book launch in 6 daysBook update: inside scoop + 1st draft complete
The first scoop on my next book
(Indexed 2012-08-14):
The good news is my next book is well underway. As many of you know, I quit my job at WordPress.com a few weeks ago. It was time to get back to work filling the bookshelf and I’m happy to...Related posts:Update on my next bookBook update: inside scoop + 1st draft completeQuote of the weekIs your book idea good? (Yes, I promise)Confessions (new book cover and more)
Why you should come to Ignite Seattle 17 (Sunday August 19th)
(Indexed 2012-08-13):
Once again Seattle Ignite is venturing outside for a special family friendly event. If you’ve never been before, this is a great time to come. Each speaker has 5 minutes to talk about something important and interesting. If one of...Related posts:(Seattle) This Sunday – at Ada’s Books 4-6pmHelp me Teach Seattle How to Drive(Seattle) Full day courses – interested?(Seattle) Presentation Camp – Saturday April 4thWhat I learned at Seattle Ignite 6
Why I hate Prezi
(Indexed 2012-08-13):
One of the many jokes about Powerpoint is how much time people who use it spend picking transitions between slides. They spend more time picking out animations, and which wipe effects to use, than they do thinking about what goes...Related posts:(Seattle) Presentation Camp – Tommorow!Slides from tonights Seattle PMI presentationPresentation camp – SF, March 21How to show time during a presentationThursday linkfest
Does dedicated innovation time work?
(Indexed 2012-07-25):
I wrote a popular post awhile ago with an opinion on Google’s 20% time concept. Howard Baldwin from Computerworld interviewed me about this. Sadly, none of my comments made it into his article. The good news is here are the...Related posts:This week: Assigning programming workInnovation by firing peopleThis week: Fear of changing directionThis week: the joy of team rivalryWhy innovation efforts fail
Johnny Mnemonic in Hecklevision: review
(Indexed 2012-06-12):
Last night I finally made it to Hecklevision at Central Cinema in Seattle. They show bad movies and allow the audience to heckle in real time using their cell phones. Anyone in the audience can participate and it instantly appears...Related posts:Movie Review: Winters BoneWhat every movie review website needsMost interesting video you’ll see todayNeed a word for an interesting ideaThe Social Network: movie review
Triple inspired by a film: Girl Walk All Day
(Indexed 2012-05-29):
I’ve said before we live in the best age in history to be a creative. It has never been easier to manifest ideas in the world. The tools, the sources of funding and the means to promote work are easier...Related posts:How to watch a Michael Bay filmInto the Wild: movie review (& more)Lessons from amazing projects: Russian ArkJiro Dreams of Sushi: movie reviewDon’t be precious
How to Make Things Happen
(Indexed 2012-04-16):
This is an excerpt fromMaking Things Happen, my bestselling book on leading project teams. ————————R...(truncated)... One myth of project management is certain people have an innate ability to do it well, and others do not. Whenever this myth came up...Related posts:How to make things happen (From the art of project management)New video: How to make things happenThe book: Making Things HappenFree copy of Making things happenMicrosoft and Making ...(truncated)...
Lessons from Jetpack Joyride
(Indexed 2012-04-12):
I’m a very casual gamer. I find few games fun enough to play regularly. One game I play often on my phone is Jetpack Joyride(iPhone). It has so many simple, fun, clever things going for it that it has held...Related posts:Management lessons from Gears of War 2Lessons from Google Wave and MSFT KinAre PMs worth more than game designers?Quote of the dayGreat management in progress: NBA playoffs
What to do when things go wrong
(Indexed 2012-04-10):
This is an excerpt from Making Things Happen, my bestseller on leading project teams. 1. Calm down.Nothing makes a situation worse than basing your actions on fear, anger, or frustration. If something bad happens to you, you will have these...Related posts:This week in pm-clinic: Plan for the planMaking things happen – the cover & moreBerkun plan 2004Things not to say – “We don’t have time”Stupid things presenters do (and how to stop them)
Ideas vs. Time: how long does an idea take to develop?
(Indexed 2012-04-09):
People often ask writers and filmmakers how long they worked on their most recent project. The mistake made is people think in terms of calendar time, instead of time spent actually working on the project. A month can go by...Related posts:This week: when the party’s overNeed a new writing tool: help?How to write songs and the creative processDaily writing plan Part 2PM Clinic, Week 1: Prioritizing time
Self-publishing vs. working with O’Reilly Media
(Indexed 2012-01-03):
I met Joe Wikert, GM at O’Reilly Media, in 2008, while negotiating terms for Confessions of a Public Speaker. I’ve talked to many editors and executives at publishing companies, but he quickly charmed me with his genuine intelligence and honest...Related posts:The age of the platform: lessons on self-publishing from 4 time authorFree chapters from ConfessionsCalling bullshit on social mediaHow to call BS on a social media guru (event)Why I’m self publishing my next book
Quote of the day
(Indexed 2011-12-22):
Here’s the quote of the day. I wish more stars in all workplaces felt this way (Although Kobe has plenty of history of being less than coachable): “[Brown] was not afraid to criticize the star guard [Kobe Bryant] after the...Related posts:Passive/Aggressive management and the LakersHow to learn from from the Boston CelticsInnovation by Death: A TheoryTeaching Seattle How to Drive – in 5 minutesHow to use bad data for good
When is it time to quit a job to follow a dream?
(Indexed 2011-12-07):
Andrew Rosen of Jobacle, one of mykickstarter supporters for Mindfire, had this request for a blog post: How do you know it is time to quit your job and put yourself into a project you believe in on a full-time...Related posts:How I found my passionShould I quit my job now?Lessons from 4 independent yearsPost #1000: A Strawman for EverythingYour quota of worry and how to shrink it
Can you thrive on a sinking ship?
(Indexed 2011-12-07):
Josh, one of my kickstarter supporters for my Mindfire: Big Ideas for Curious Minds, asked this question. My place of employment is closing. The problem is the mood is very somber and depressing. How do you work within that environment...Related posts:Are you a leader or a tracker?How to stop overcommunicationInnovation by firing peopleHow ideas escape their prisonsThis week: winning at schedule chicken
Do crazy innovations affect serious subjects?
(Indexed 2011-12-07):
Kestutis Gardziulis, one of my kickstarter supporters for Mindfire, asked this question: How do “crazy” innovations affect serious subjects? Often crazy ideas in innovation history are described as accidental inventions. Things like how Nutrisweet was discovered when a chemist accidentally...Related posts:This week in ux-clinic: harvesting the idea farmIt’s Novel writing month: join NaNoWriMo!The 8 challenges innovations faceTeaching programming / management the Harvard wayThis...(truncated)...
Confessions of a self published author
(Indexed 2011-12-06):
Lisa James McKenzie,one of mykickstarter supporters, requested a behind the scenes summation of my experience self-publishing my new book, Mindfire: Big Ideas for Curious Minds, a book of advice on thinking, wisdom and living a creative life. Here are all...Related posts:Help wanted: Editor/Curator for my next bookThe age of the platform: lessons on self-publishing from 4 time authorHelp Wanted: Designer for my next bookHelp wanted: designer for next book (updated)Why do essay collection books s...(truncated)...
Take my course on Innovation, online, right now
(Indexed 2011-11-28):
A secret project I did with O’Reilly Media is now available online. For years I’ve taught full day workshops around the world on how to manage breakthrough projects.Beyond all the hype, it’s all the practical advice and time-tested wisdom I’ve...Related posts:(Updated) Teaching kick-ass course on innovation: SF, March 30The other myths of innovation?Innovation quote of the dayThe best innovation paper you’ve never readMy books are now on Kindle
The fascinating history of Jelly Belly jelly beans (documentary)
(Indexed 2011-11-24):
Recently I watched a documentary about the history of theJelly Bellycompany, called Candyman: The David Klein Story(Netflix streaming). I highly recommend it. It’s an unusually honest and simply told tale about one man with many ideas, who changed an industry,...Related posts:PM Clinic: Nominations for think-weekThe Office sitcom meets MicrosoftSeattle Bizjam conference, this weekend: RecommendedPM Clinic: A forum on project managementThis week: Death by autonomy
Let time work for you
(Indexed 2011-11-02):
Yesterday, while running on a treadmill at the gym, I realized something: I do not like to run on treadmills. It’s repetitive and boring, and unlike true sports where there is someone playing defense to overcome, all I have is...Related posts:Clever designs: Top ten alarm clocksOpen letter to college graduatesArrogance vs. Confidence: what’s the difference?Today is World Usability DayTalent vs. Experience
How Microsoft kills cool projects
(Indexed 2011-11-01):
There’s a good article detailing the death of Microsoft Courier, a tablet device project from 2009/10 led by J. Allard, of XBOX fame.The core story rests on this observation: Within a few weeks, Courier was cancelled because the product didn’t...Related posts:Good ideas/innovations that lost?The end of the killer featureMicrosoft no moreWhat Microsoft gets for $2 billionRay Ozzie, Microsoft and change
The age of the platform: lessons on self-publishing from 4 time author
(Indexed 2011-10-31):
My friend Phil Simon, author of Why New Systems Fail and The New Small, is about to self-publish his fourth book,The Age of the Platform. Unlike people who talk about writing books but never do it, Phil bootstrapped himself, and...Related posts:Why I’m self publishing my next bookThe waitingThe motherlode of book writing statisticsHelp wanted: Editor/Curator for my next bookFrom the mailbag: Best request ever for writing advice
How Yoga destroys creativity: Niemann on working with ideas
(Indexed 2011-09-21):
Great little diagram from an excellent talk by Christoph Niemann. He’s showing an honest accounting of how his day as a designer/illustrator gets divided – note the time spent second guessing himself. And this one about what creative work feels...Related posts:We are just like ants: the proofVideo: extended Q&A at RIM in WaterlooKids, waterfalls and subways (NYC)Most interesting video you’ll see today(Video) How to Call BS on Social Media Gurus
The false dichotomy of false dichotomies
(Indexed 2011-09-20):
There is a false dichotomy in believing that all dichotomies are either true or false. To say “you either win or lose” is a dichotomy. It divides everything into two piles. To call something a false dichotomy suggests the division...Related posts:Munich advice?Stephen Colbert fights the closemindedNo holds barred tactics for UX in organizationsHow project managers establish power#42 – Why you must lead or follow
Why conferences cost so much
(Indexed 2011-09-15):
Great post on AndyBudd.com on why conferences costs so much: Lets assume that this $1000 a ticket conference happens over 3 days with 3 tracks and attracts 300 people. That would indicate an income of $300,000. However once youve taken...Related posts:Why conferences have bad speakersStupid things presenters do (and how to stop them)Upcoming travel: MX, e-tech, GELSpeaking at Emerging technology conferenceConference materials (and more) done right – Webstock ’08
If you like my work, can you lend a hand?
(Indexed 2011-09-14):
If you like my work, I can use your help. When the paperback edition of Myths of Innovation came out, I put together a little email list for volunteers willing to help with PR.It worked well and folks helped by...Related posts:What virtual seminar do you want me to do?How To Fix Email: A Radical ProposalMark the Date: Oct 13th Myths of Innovation dayHow much to charge for speaking?(Seattle) Presentation camp schedule up!
How to discuss politics with friends, version 1
(Indexed 2011-08-18):
My good friends Royal Winchester,Rob Leffertsand Ilike to talk about things. Eventually we realized there were some things, mostly political, we were afraid to talk about since they’re often polarizing topics that make everyone involved hate each other. Since we...Related posts:No secrets: new project management blogThe fallacy of “They Don’t Get It”Do you need radicals for change?How to call bullshit on a guruWhen is good data impossible?
The new book: Mindfire. What is it?
(Indexed 2011-08-17):
One challenge I have is I’m passionate about many things. I’ve written three successful books, on three very different subjects. Yet I get labeled “The project management guy” or “the innovation dude” or the “public speaking expert”, as for many...Related posts:Book Review: Management of the absurdThe life of a book: part 2Smart people, bad ideas and expertiseNew update on the next bookUpdate on my next book
The unavoidable power of compromise
(Indexed 2011-08-01):
Anyone who makes progress in this world makes compromises. In the case of the U.S. Government, every gear and cog in the system is based on negotiation. Power is divided into three rings, each ring given a degree of power...Related posts:How project managers establish powerThe motherlode of book writing statisticsThe return of powerIf your name is Edward it’s your lucky dayWho holds the first U.S. patent?
Don’t Punish Everyone For One Person’s Mistake
(Indexed 2011-07-23):
There are plenty of connections to be made here for parents, legislators, regulators, friends, neighbors, managers and of course business people of all kinds. Hat tip:Ma.tt Related posts:This week in pm-clinic: Haunted by ghost employees The impact ratio (why it’s...Related posts:This week in pm-clinic: Haunted by ghost employeesThe impact ratio (why it’s hard to know what’s important)How to fight management incompetenceIt livesEssay: Advice for new managers, part two
Executives and fake decisions
(Indexed 2011-07-21):
We all do it now and then: we have a decision made in mind, but we ask friends and family for their opinion. Yet the whole time we’re confident we’re going to stick with our decision no matter what they...Related posts:Four ways to big decisionsThis week: when the party’s overThis week: How to reorganize a teamDo we suck at the basics?Should managers know how to code?
The end of Google Labs
(Indexed 2011-07-20):
Today Google announced they’re closing Google Labs, their collection of living prototypes and experiments. It will be overstated in the press how much this means or doesn’t mean. It’s common for successful companies to close R&D groups (or more accurately...Related posts:Lessons from the browser wars @ GoogleDoes Google 2008 = Microsoft 1998?Google’s 10 rules compared to MicrosoftWhy research labs fail at innovationMe, Microsoft and Digg.com
Are PMs worth more than game designers?
(Indexed 2011-07-19):
It’s daft to put faith in any single study, especially ones that make you and your profession look good. Confirmation bias, or finding the first example that supports your beliefs and running with it, is an easy trap. Rather than...Related posts:Failure: the secret to success (Honda & race cars)Are you a leader or a tracker?Why designers fail: the reportThe best innovation paper you’ve never readGreat management in progress: NBA playoffs
Cover designs for Mindfire: vote!
(Indexed 2011-07-18):
In my continuing quest to involve you folks in the process of making this book, it’s time to look at some cover design ideas. For those who haven’t been following, the book is fun collection ofprovocativeessays. If you want to...Related posts:Berkun down under: Sept. workshops in AustraliaConfessions (new book cover and more)Help wanted: designer for next book (updated)UI makeover: del.icio.usSaving the world by laptop
Quote of the week
(Indexed 2011-06-23):
Whenever I start working on a song, I immediately try to forget everything, to empty my hands and head of anything that may be hanging over from another song or album. I try to approach it like, This is the...Related posts:How U2 gets ideas for songsDaily writing plan Part 2This week in ux-clinic: Designing for novices and expertsWhat is your dangerous idea?This week in pm-clinic: Management at start-ups
5 Dangerous Ideas for Designers
(Indexed 2011-06-22):
I spoke yesterday at Design Management Institute’s Make it Happen event. I was given the last slot of the day, which is always tricky. Everyone’s tired and ready for beer. I threw in a wrinkle the awesome organizers let me...Related posts:Why do designers fail? Input wantedHow UX can get anything they wantBest of BerkunThe attack of the design weenieThis week in ux-clinic: managing sensitive designers
What I learned at FOO Camp ’11
(Indexed 2011-06-13):
I was invited back to O’Reilly’s FOO (Friends Of O’Reilly) camp, anunconference weekend event held at O’Reilly Media’s HQ in Sebatapol, CA. It’s aprivilegeto go and every year I’ve written what I’ve learned to share some of the goodness, and...Related posts:What I learned at FOO Camp ’09(Seattle) Presentation camp schedule up!What I learned at FOO Camp ’10Lessons from FOO Camp ’07Improving unconferences
Free Webinar: The Myths of Innovation, live
(Indexed 2011-06-01):
Thanks to the folks at GoToMeeting, I’ll be doing a reprisal of my remixed talk on the Myths of Innovation – stories about sliced bread, the making of star wars, why managers fail at leading creativity, how to take risks...Related posts:Live, Free webcast TODAY on speakingMark the date: Free webcast on the art of project managementWorld usability day: Free usability reviewToday: Radio tour!Speaking in Moscow, April 25th
Cynicism is intellectual cowardice (short video of the week)
(Indexed 2011-05-19):
“I started coming to the conclusion that cynicism is intellectual cowardice. It’s basically you not taking the time to deal with what is…” -Henry Rollins It’s an entertaining and inspiring 3 minute riff, mildly NSFW (language). Related posts:(Video) How to...Related posts:(Video) How to Call BS on Social Media GurusThis week: you make the callWhy I loved George CarlinQuote of the weekAll ideas are made of other ideas
Comment of the week
(Indexed 2011-05-11):
Aprivilegeof having a popular blog is sometimes smart people come by and calmly, warmly, without a hint of snark, straighten me out. This post from Ian both identifies all mymisstepsin an earlier post about design and the 9/11 memorial (where...Related posts:How to ruin a design: the 9/11 MemorialThis week in pm-clinic: the “poof” of conceptGround Zero and the MosqueWednesday linkfestThis week: Managing the 2nd class project
Movie Review: Winters Bone
(Indexed 2011-05-11):
There’s something captivating about movies where you don’t know all the rules, but care to stick around to find out. This is why I like some foreign films, the ones that aren’t too weird, in that they grab your attention...Related posts:What every movie review website needsInto the Wild: movie review (& more)The Social Network: movie reviewHow to watch a Michael Bay filmLessons from amazing projects: Russian Ark
Open letter to college graduates
(Indexed 2011-05-11):
Dear college graduates: I will share what no one told me when I graduated: live for yourself. Do not make life choices based on what parents, girlfriends, boyfriends or buddies will judge you for doing or not doing. Be wary...Related posts:#41 – Why I left MicrosoftAn open letter to Amazon.comTeaching programming / management the Harvard wayInnovation vs. Tradition: Christianity, the Vatican and SinDon’t be precious
Video of the month: best minute you will have
(Indexed 2011-04-04):
If you’ve wondered where I’ve been all this time I haven’t been posting, it’s safe to say I’ve wondered why I don’t make things like this instead of all the other things I do. Purely mad, absurd and wonderful. Have...Related posts:Don’t be preciousHow to learn from a nuclear missleAttention and Sex: 5 minute videoThe things you never hearGood ideas/innovations that lost?
How to show time during a presetation
(Indexed 2011-02-17):
Joo Adolfo Lutz asked me recently about noting time progressed / remaining in slides: I’d like to know what do you think about printing kind of a “timeline” in the slides, lightening the topic that is being shown at the...Related posts:An open letter to conference organizersPM Clinic: Week 25 discussion summaryUsability review #3: Ginablack.netThe challenge of visible twitter at conferencesHow to prepare: checklist for great talks
How to torture your project manager
(Indexed 2011-02-17):
If you like your project manager, this is a list of things not to do. But if they really deserve it, here are proven ways to drive them mad. Never give specific odds or probabilities. Always make ambiguous commitments like...Related posts:The manager that’s never thereThe manager that’s never thereThis week in pm-clinic: the boss who won’t listenThis week in pm-clinic: the boss who won’t listenDraft 2 finished
How to show time during a presentation
(Indexed 2011-02-17):
Joo Adolfo Lutz asked me recently about noting time progressed / remaining in slides: I’d like to know what do you think about printing kind of a “timeline” in the slides, lightening the topic that is being shown at the...Related posts:An open letter to conference organizersAn open letter to conference organizersPM Clinic: Week 25 discussion summaryPM Clinic: Week 25 discussion summaryThe challenge of visible twitter at conferences
Update on my next book
(Indexed 2011-02-01):
It’s been awhile since I’ve said anything about my next book. Time for an update. The book’s primary theme is: Intelligent Provocation. What does this mean? These days, discourse is heavily polarized. We rarely see or hear intelligent arguments. Many...Related posts:Update on my next bookHelp wanted: designer for next book (updated)Berkun plan 2004London book updateHelp Wanted: Designer for my next book
Free copies of Myths of Innovation
(Indexed 2011-01-28):
O’Reilly Media has started a new blogger review program – If you’re willing to write a review, both on your blog and on amazon.com, you can get free copies of many of their books. And of course you are free...Related posts:The book: The Myths of InnovationFree Myths Webcast: Wed Oct 13thWinners of 5 signed copies are…5 signed copies of Myths – leave a comment!I need your help with the new book
An open letter to Amazon.com
(Indexed 2011-01-11):
Greetings people of Amazon.com: We’ve gotten along well. I write books and you help me sell them. Generally I’m fond of you and all you do. Recently you’ve done something that makes it hard to sell one of my most...Related posts:Did you review art of project management on amazon?This week in ux-clinic: How to cut a bad, shipped featureMore reviews in for the art of PMMaking things happen – the cover & moreMy books are now on Kindle
Passive/Aggressive management and the Lakers
(Indexed 2011-01-11):
There’s something familiar about Kobe Bryant’s description about the style his coach, Phil Jackson uses. As this article explains, his teamates sometimes get upset when Jackson zings players in the media, but Bryant says: “…when you’ve been around Phil for...Related posts:Handcrafted software: Jackson FishThe mystery of the front row#1 – Why are good interfaces so hard to make?When your VP doesn’t understand your jobWhy Creatives Are Confused
SCRUM for Weddings?
(Indexed 2011-01-06):
I once wrote that Everything is Project, and its true. Recently Gregory Heller gave an ignite talk, at Seattle Ignite 12, that takes this idea to the extreme: Scrum Project Management for Weddings. There’s good advice for weddings and all...Related posts:Do you manage design projects? An event for you (Feb 5, SF)Yesterday’s Artofpm Webcast now availableShould I become a project manager? (Mailbag)This week in pm-clinic: turning the tideWhat I learned at Seattle Ignite 6
Does information overload matter?
(Indexed 2011-01-06):
Recently I’ve been involved in quantity vs. quality arguments related to the web. I have a half-baked thought I wanted to share, in hopes someone else already has baked it. Or can now. In this simple chart, we see someone’s...Related posts:Obama vs the iPad (information overload)IDEA 2006 Conference, Seattle, Oct 23/24How Private are Facebook Executives?Good advice from top bloggersHow do you grow willpower?
Looking for a word for…
(Indexed 2010-12-29):
I posted on twitter yesterday looking for a word. Here’s what I wrote: I need a word for someone who is always very busy and doing work, but adds no value (It’s a distant cousin to slacker, but a more...Related posts:The mystery of the front rowThe manager that’s never thereNew essay: How to survive a bad managerThis week: you make the callNo secrets: new project management blog
The Internet changes nothing
(Indexed 2010-12-28):
Thanks to Ario found this provocative essay on the effect of the web, called The Internet Changes Nothing. There is a cynical slant to this piece, which the title gives away, but much of his logic and question are sound,...Related posts:The victimization ratioCan high quality be cheap?Calling bullshit on social mediaMLK, technology and inspirationObama vs the iPad (information overload)
Experience is overrated
(Indexed 2010-12-27):
Experience is only a chance to learn. It does not guarantee any lessons or skills. A resume for someone who worked at a company for ten years, even a fancy one, ensures only that they learned how not to get...Related posts:Thursday linkfestHow ideas escape their prisonsWhat Microsoft gets for $2 billionTalent vs. ExperienceHow to fight management incompetence
Can high quality be cheap?
(Indexed 2010-12-06):
Great post about redefining the idea of quality, using some recent music videos and TV ads as examples. The common thread that runs through all of their videos is that they seem to be willing to forgo fast in favor...
2011 Predictions: mind blowing and amazing
(Indexed 2010-12-03):
My big secret project this year was extensive research into what will happen in 2011 and it hasn’t been easy. My daily routine included reading a big bag of tea leaves every morning (the bag is called ‘the web’ by...
On working for free
(Indexed 2010-10-29):
Recently, this comment was left on my job posting for a book designer: You know what they say, Mr. Berkun you pay peanuts; you get monkeys. If you want someone to spend the time required to design a book...
Can Getting Healthy be Fun?
(Indexed 2010-10-27):
Talking about losing weight is easy, but as the obesity rates in the U.S. attest, living up to that talk is something else entirely. Most people try, fail, and try again, stumbling each time back to old habits. It’s surprising,...
The quote of the month
(Indexed 2010-10-21):
In the range of inventionthe man of today is nearer to being a god than at any time in history. Yet never was he less godlike. He accepts and utilizes the miraculous gifts of science unquestioningly: he is without wonder,...
New Myths Webcast: Now on youtube
(Indexed 2010-10-19):
Thanks to O’Reilly Media, last week’s webcast on the new edition of Myths of Innovation is now available free online. Bonus links: There’s also an extended Q&A writeup (questions I didn’t have time to answer during the webcast). Free sample...
The make vs. consume ratio
(Indexed 2010-09-28):
Years ago I realized the pleasure of spending a few bucks to see something that cost $100 million or more to make. It’s a special bargain when you realize dozens or hundreds of people spent years making something you can...
Things to do/eat in Detroit?
(Indexed 2010-09-26):
I’ll be speaking at the Lorenzo cultural center this Wednesday as part of their new exhibit on the history of invention. It’s my first time to Detroit – it’s one of the biggest cities in the U.S. I’ve never been...
Help wanted: Berkun promotion team
(Indexed 2010-09-21):
It’s time to ask for some help. A volunteer team is forming to spread the word about my work. If you have pr or marketing experience that’s awesome, but anyone with a half-hour here or there can make a huge...
Ten points on Freedom and the Mosque (w/Video)
(Indexed 2010-08-26):
I’ve never done a “low quality webcam video speaking to camera” thing before, but felt compelled to do so on this issue. Hope you’ll watch it first. But if you get bored or hate videos, here’s a loose summary of...
Rules to live by
(Indexed 2010-08-24):
Buster Benson, the super creative guy who made 750words (helps you write), Locavore (helps you eat), 8:36pm project (helps you remember), co-founded the arts collective McLeod Residence, and blogs here gave me this morning’s inspiration. From his site I found...
How to fix a team
(Indexed 2010-07-28):
Many people never learn how to work on a team.It’s sad, but the reason many projects fail has little to do with expertise or intelligence. Instead it’s the fact that as soon as you have two or more people working...
Can you be a great man?
(Indexed 2010-07-22):
I was talking with friends last night over wine and the notion of being a great man came up. It was surprising at least two of us had thought about this at one time or another, yet I can’t recall...
The creativity crisis (Newsweek)
(Indexed 2010-07-19):
In a recent article on America’s declining ability to be creative, the author, Po Bronson, tries to explain why American children have declining abilities to be creative.In one story, he explains how focusing on project work dramatically helps students learn...
Site issues – need your help
(Indexed 2010-06-29):
We’ve had some character set issues on the site – Weird characters showing up in posts.This issue has been fixed but a side-effect of the fix is some of the posts have been truncated. They just cut off or seem...
My surprising inspiration (death!)
(Indexed 2010-05-20):
My friend and artist Teresa Brazen is running an interesting project, called What moves you?Anyone can drop by and post what it is that gets them going. Here’s what I wrote:I know this sounds morbidly strange but when Im bored...
Research Challenge: Guns, Cats and Parachutes
(Indexed 2010-04-30):
Things are chugging along with the updated edition of The Myths of Innovation. But there are two nagging research issues I’m hoping someone with some investigative chops might want to take on.Deadline: Friday May 7thReward: Acknowledgement in book + signed...
Why New Systems Fail: an interview
(Indexed 2010-04-17):
My friend Phil Simon published a book in 2008 called Why New Systems Fail. The book explores the many reasons why projects, mainly IT projects, fail and what a wise person can do to prevent and recover from these situations....
Help w/ new edition of Myths of Innovation
(Indexed 2010-03-18):
Currently I’m in talks with O’Reilly Media about releasing an updated version of The Myths of Innovation in paperback some time this year.I have a few obvious things to take care of: Correct these errata Add a chapter on applying...
Cloud Computing is a bad metaphor
(Indexed 2010-03-17):
At a certain point you hear a name for something so many times it looses any real meaning. It’s just a name. Kleenex, as a word, doesn’t mean anything. Neither does Hagen-Dazs. But over time words just become labels and...
Why you should be a team of one
(Indexed 2010-02-18):
One of the best exercises a working person can do is this: spend some time doing the jobs of the people you work with. Every manager should be required to do this once a year, even if just for a...
How to stop overcommunication
(Indexed 2010-01-21):
Spolsky’s latest piece is about Brook’s law, and how adding people to projects can make them worse.For those unfamiliar, Brook’s law states that when you add a person, you geometricly increase the amount of communication people of the project have...
Book review: The Road, by Cormac McCarthy
(Indexed 2010-01-14):
The purpose of a story is to be an axe that breaks up the ice within us -Franz KafkaI have a hard time reading fiction because often writers try way too hard to make their fiction seem real, or love...
Need a graphic designer for small project
(Indexed 2010-01-14):
I have a big, chart heavy report on research I did into how people prepare to give presentations. Problem is the charts are auto-generated and ugly. I mean hit by every ugly stick imaginable ugly.I need a designer to grab...
Speaking at PMI Congress, Feb. in Melbourne
(Indexed 2010-01-13):
Next month I’ll be giving the keynote talk at the 2010 PMI Global Congress, in one of my favorite cities in the world, Melbourne Australia.From the press release:Project Management Institute (PMI), the worlds leading professional ...
Live, Free webcast: Next Tues, on speaking
(Indexed 2010-01-12):
This should be fun – the folks at creativetechs have a fantastic tech setup for webcasts which promises to be higher quality than most. If you saw the last webcast and enjoyed it, please help spread the word.You can tune...
How great writers work
(Indexed 2010-01-12):
Nice little compilation article on 25 famous writers and their daily work rituals. Since I’ve been writing full time I’ve read many books about writing, about how writer’s work, and even writer’s writing about how they write. But beware: many...
When visualizations go wrong, part 2
(Indexed 2010-01-11):
Here’s part 2 of my continuing series of visualizations gone wrong (part 1 was about a viz on web browser market share).The idea of metaphor is a good one. It’s one of the oldest communication tools we have. It’s clever...
Signed edition of Confessions now for sale
(Indexed 2010-01-08):
Powell’s books, where I’m speaking tonight, is selling signed copies of Confessions of a Public Speaker.Very cool – people ask me all the time for this, but there’s no easy way for me to sign/sell books. Well, now thanks to...
Everything is a project, even this
(Indexed 2009-12-23):
As often happens in life, when I meet people at a party or some work thing and they ask what I do, I tell them I write books. They ask what kind of books, and when I mention I wrote...
What my office looks like right now
(Indexed 2009-12-20):
In a desperate fit of end of year holiday boredom, as I’m self employed and don’t quite long for these weeks off as I used to, I decided it’s time to fix up my office.If I’m actively writing a book,...
The toughest room I had this month
(Indexed 2009-12-14):
After a month of promoting Confessions as hard as I can, and doing more than 30 talks or media appearances in the last talks in 4 weeks, I finally have some down time. And what’s more fun in down time [...]
Should I become a project manager? (Mailbag)
(Indexed 2009-12-08):
[Image]A recent email from the mailbag echoes other email collecting dust in the mailbag, so I figured I’d beat the rush and answer here.Hello I will be graduating college in two weeks and want to more about certain careers. [...]
Confessions /Amazon shipping issues – explained
(Indexed 2009-12-04):
Some of you have noticed Confessions is currently listed on Amazon as shipping in 1 to 2 MONTHS. And you’ve complained to me.The problem here is the book has sold well, so Amazon, as smart as they are, are a [...]
Confessions book tour: SF update
(Indexed 2009-11-30):
Update: In NYC this week. Hope you can make it out to one of these gigs.The schedule is still coming together, but here’s what I have so far:Confessions of a public speaker, book tourBoston, 11/1 thru 11/6Monday / Tuesday, 11/2UI14, [...]
Confessions book tour: NYC update
(Indexed 2009-11-16):
Update: In NYC this week. Hope you can make it out to one of these gigs.The schedule is still coming together, but here’s what I have so far:Confessions of a public speaker, book tourBoston, 11/1 thru 11/6Monday / Tuesday, 11/2UI14, [...]
Elliason does it again (amazing art)
(Indexed 2009-11-11):
One of my favorite living artists, Elliason, has a new project open in Copenhagen (He’s the guy who did the waterfall project in NYC, which I saw and wrote about).I saw his weather project at the Tate museum in London [...]
Confessions book tour: Boston, NYC, SF, Seattle
(Indexed 2009-10-05):
The new book will be out soon. To help pave the way I’ll be on tour, telling stories, teaching lessons, and generally having fun with crowds of all sizes.The schedule is still coming together, but here’s what I have so [...]
Magic numbers of project management
(Indexed 2009-09-24):
No matter where I go, or what industry Im talking to, if I ask enough questions of people who have schedules for important things eventually I hear a magic number.A magic number is a mystical multiplier used to figure out [...]
The magic numbers of project management
(Indexed 2009-09-15):
No matter where I go, or what industry I’m talking to, if I ask enough questions of people who have schedules for important things eventually I hear a magic number.A magic number is a mystical multiplier used to figure out schedules. Sometimes it’s small. Other times it’s large. But regardless of the size, very smart [...]
CBS wants your PM hero story
(Indexed 2009-08-31):
A journalist for BNET, part of CBS Interactive, is looking for a great short story on dealing with things going wrong on projects.She wants:First person stories about how you recently saved a project by tackling a deadline problem, scope bloat, budget issues, key person quitting, etc.Since she seems cool I offered to throw [...]
What I learned at FOO Camp ‘09
(Indexed 2009-08-31):
For the fifth time I managed to get invited to O’Reilly’s FOO (Friends Of O’Reilly) camp, an unconference weekend event held at O’Reilly’s headquarters in Sebatapol, CA. ~250 people are invited to camp out on the lawn and spend a long weekend discussing anything anyone wants to talk about. Big schedule boards are put up [...]
Hating vs. Loving: a personal note
(Indexed 2009-08-31):
A book that changed my life in 2002 is Living, Loving and Learning, by Leo Buscaglia, which taught my hard-ass, repressed tough guy soul that I was doing many things that made me, and those around me, unhappy. And one of the big crimes was being more comfortable hating than loving.Any time you hate something [...]
Redesigning this website: feedback?
(Indexed 2009-08-19):
With a new book on the way it’s time to redesign this website, a site still working the same basic layout its had since 2003 (!). I’ve gotten many miles out of the current incarnation and uber-simple layout, but there’s enough content and traffic, over 850 posts, 50+ essays, 5400+ comments and 20,000 RSS subscribers, [...]
The Netflix Inc. guide to culture (Analysis)
(Indexed 2009-08-05):
Making the rounds this week is this slidedeck apparently put together by Netflix upper management about their culture. There is no reference or name, so can’t be sure it’s real, but I doubt someone would go through the trouble to create a 128 slide fake Netflix deck.There’s plenty of good, some bad, and some downright [...]
How to watch a Michael Bay film
(Indexed 2009-07-30):
To get out of the 101 degree heat here in Seattle, I decided to take the afternoon off yesterday and go see a film. Only thing playing at the right time was Transformers 2.I don’t hate Michael Bay, but I rarely like his films since I like movies that make sense. I admit Armageddon was [...]
Don’t be precious
(Indexed 2009-07-07):
Creativity is best studied creatively, and for me this means studying what the masters actually did. Not what we think they did, or what we’re told they said, but how they lived and worked everyday. And while I’m not an artist, I’ve spent a lot of time studying them including the one I’m married to.So [...]
Speaking in Milwaukee, this friday
(Indexed 2009-05-27):
I’m teaching a full day seminar on making things happen (project management fun) this Friday at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. It’s $129 for the day, and i believe it includes lunch - a super bargain.Details here: Full day seminar at CTI for $129.The room is almost full so they may close registration today.
My books are now on Kindle
(Indexed 2009-04-24):
Thanks to the fine folks at O’Reilly Media, both of my books are now available on Kindle:Making Things happen (Kindle)The Myths of Innovation (Kindle)I think it’s silly that the customer reviews for the regular editions don’t migrate to these kindle pages, but then again I’m still bummed all the reviews for The art of project [...]
Project management for beginners
(Indexed 2009-04-22):
Interesting thread going on Slashdot about PM for beginners. Making things happen gets a nice mention.Surprising number of mentions of PMI and PSP and other heavy processes I wouldn’t expect to hear so fast from the Slashdot crowd: Project management for beginners. It’s funny but I still am baffled by the threading and [...]
Being Popular vs. Being Good
(Indexed 2009-04-09):
One of the grand confusions of modern life is the confusion between what is good and what is popular. Most of the time people confuse being popular with being good, which isn’t necessarily true.I knew a guy in high school. He was very popular. But I don’t think anyone would say he was good at [...]
Things not to say - “We don’t have time”
(Indexed 2009-04-06):
One phrase that makes me cringe in the workplace is “We don’t have time”.It bugs me because none of us have more time than anyone else. We all get roughly the same amount of time to do whatever we’re going to do life stuff in. But what we all have, unless you’re doing 5 years [...]
(Seattle) Presentation Camp - Tommorow!
(Indexed 2009-04-03):
Last call for presentation camp - a brand new unconference event for people interested in pitching, presenting and public speaking.Presentation CampAt UW communications building (map)Saturday April 4th 2009, 9am-4:30pm (Full schedule here)It’s $15 if you register by noon today, $20 later today or at the door.I’ll be doing a keynote on Why your talk sucks [...]
(Seattle) Presentation camp schedule up!
(Indexed 2009-03-26):
Saturday April 4th Kathy Gill and I are running the first ever Seattle presentation camp, an unconference for people interested in all forms of public speaking, presenting, and pitching ideas.We’ve posted the core schedule with some of the sessions that we know will take place, as well as plenty of slots for unconference style sessions [...]
Free $600 ticket to Monday’s MasterClass (San Francisco)
(Indexed 2009-03-24):
Next Monday, March 30th, I’m teaching my full day course on how to lead and manage breakthrough projects in San Francisco.There are only a few seats left, but as a perk I get one golden ticket to give away - So here’s your chance.For reference, highlights of the course include: A top rated, world class, [...]
New O’Reilly book: Beautiful Teams
(Indexed 2009-03-24):
There’s a new book, soon to be released from O’Reilly called Beautiful teams, edited by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene that i want to give you a heads up about.I’m a huge believer in teams. Team sports. Team players. Team leaders. It’s all about teams. Show me a great project and I’ll show you a [...]
Your project has no goal
(Indexed 2009-03-23):
There’s a fantastic little essay over on Noop.Nl about some clever philosophical questions about what projects are. The essay is called Your project has no goal, and he explores why human beings tend to place reasons and explanations into things that are way more about us than about what’s really going on. Includes fun references [...]
Q&A from today’s webcast
(Indexed 2009-03-19):
Thanks to everyone who tuned in - we had almost 300 people according to WebEx.The webcast will be posted soon on O’Reilly’s youtube channel.Next time I do one of these I’ll be sharper - there were lots of good snarky comments I missed in the chat room during the talk, plus a twitter stream (#berkun).Here’s [...]
Review: Wordpress 2.7
(Indexed 2009-03-18):
I hate upgrading WordPress for one reason: hand copying files. Hand copying files, even as few as are required for WP, always runs the risk of doing something trivial and stupid that blows everything up and is hard to recover from. As a mostly non-practicing geek, I don’t write much code or touch command lines [...]
How to deal with jerk programmers
(Indexed 2009-03-16):
Christian recently asked, in a comment on how project managers get power:I only had a job because of the programmersWow, this is humble, in the good sense! But how did you treat those infamous programmer-jerks? How did you handle rough inner team situations?The best place to start is empathy. Why is someone acting like a [...]
How project managers establish power
(Indexed 2009-03-12):
I remember the day I started working as a program manager on the Internet explorer team. On my second day, Joe Belfiore, my boss, came to my office, closed the door, and told me two things:1. Your relationship with programmers is everything2. There are only two teams at Microsoft to care about, Windows and Office.Forget [...]
Program Managers vs. Interaction designers
(Indexed 2009-03-12):
Recently Joel on Software posted about how to be a program manager and he lists UI design as one of the skills program managers should be responsible for. It’s no surprise that people who call themselves UI designers, such as the folks on on the interaction design mailing list, have taken notice and are mostly [...]
The top 100 speeches of all time
(Indexed 2009-03-10):
As research for the book I’m writing on public speaking, I’ve been listening to tons of famous speeches and various CDs of collected speeches. Recently I found a list of the top 100 speeches of all time and I’m working my way through it.Interesting observations:We have technology bias. Since we don’t have recordings of say, [...]
The top 100 speeches of the 20th century
(Indexed 2009-03-10):
As research for the book I’m writing on public speaking, I’ve been listening to tons of famous speeches and various CDs of collected speeches. Recently I found a list of the top 100 speeches of all time and I’m working my way through it.Interesting observations:We have technology bias. Since we don’t have recordings of say, [...]
Quote of the month
(Indexed 2009-03-08):
Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybodys power and is not easy - Aristotle (Hat tip - Ronan)
Asshole driven development: revisited
(Indexed 2008-05-22):
With the recent post on the problem with consultants, I wanted to point out the impressive inventory of failed management methods that have grown in the comments section for last year’s post on asshole driven development. Some are tech specific, but many apply to just about any kind of management. The comment count is over [...]
Should managers be funny?
(Indexed 2008-05-22):
As I’ve grown older my tolerance for humorless people has declined - but does everyone feel this way? What about team leaders and project manager types? Some folks at Bremen University in Germany are doing a study to find out. They have an online survey that explores this question and they’d love to hear your [...]
Did you review art of project management on amazon?
(Indexed 2008-05-22):
One of the frustrating results of renaming a book is the listing on amazon.com for Making things happen doesn’t include the reviews for the first edition of the book. I’ve asked the folks at amazon.com about this, and, by policy, aren’t willing to move the old reviews over.So as a favor, anyone out there who [...]
The problem(s) with consultants
(Indexed 2008-05-21):
Over the last month I’ve spent more time than usual with consultants and it is making me miserable. Is there a support group I can join? A ten step program? A nearby happy-hour? There are some great consultants out there, but damn, I wish there were more of them.My passion for trying to get to [...]
Critiquing Gladwell, part 1
(Indexed 2008-05-14):
A recent New Yorker had another excellent piece by Malcolm Gladwell, this time about simultaneous invention, the core topic of chapter 5 of The Myths of Innovation. Much of his coverage is spot on - we underestimate how many inventions and discoveries were achieved independently, despite how specific and isolated the credit we give often [...]
What does Guy Kawasaki read?
(Indexed 2008-04-29):
An interesting little MBA project from UC Irvine provides a view of books and reviews based on the point of view of particular experts. There may be something like this out there already but i haven’t seen it.It’s called Expert’s choice - and all profits from using their site go to charity. Take a [...]
The Lefferts law of management
(Indexed 2008-04-29):
Rob Lefferts, good friend and Group Program Manager for Microsoft Sharepoint, offered me a gem of advice recently. If there is a list of laws for being a good team manager, this would be near the top of my list: The Lefferts law of management: It is your fault.There are a dozen reasonable excuses in [...]
Wordpress 2.5: Review
(Indexed 2008-04-08):
Last week I upgraded to the latest version of Wordpress. I’m a huge Wordpress fan, I love what these guys do, and I was psyched to see what they’d done this time around.Total time: 9 minutes. This was end to end, from downloading their software, to reading instructions, to the moment I was able to [...]
Fresh thoughts on the Microsoft/Yahoo merger
(Indexed 2008-04-08):
This is exactly the kind of topic I avoid here, but since the deal hasn’t been shot dead (at least not yet) as I’d expected, it’s time to throw an opinion on the pile. The first thing that comes to mind is the 1995 attempt by Microsoft to buy Intuit. It doesn’t seem important now [...]
Lessons from 4 independent years
(Indexed 2008-04-01):
In 2003 I quit my management job at Microsoft to try to live by writing books, teaching and public speaking. It was the scariest decision I’d made in my life and here on the other side, about 4 years later, is what I’ve learned. If you believe life is to be explored, here are notes [...]
Now in stock: Making things happen
(Indexed 2008-03-31):
Since my book the art of project management went out of print, I bet your world has been gray. You’ve been unable to sleep. You’ve been nervous at work. You’ve lost interest in food. Your spirits have been so low, at times it’s even been hard to breathe. “When will it end!” you’ve cried. But [...]
The book: Making things happen
(Indexed 2008-03-30):
In the updated edition of this critically acclaimed and bestselling book (formerly titled the art of project management), former Microsoft insider Scott Berkun offers a collection of essays on field-tested philosophies and strategies for defining, leading, and managing projects. Based on his nine years of experience as a program manager for Microsoft’s biggest projects, Berkun [...]
How Apple got everything right
(Indexed 2008-03-20):
The recent Wired article on Apple’s management practices is interesting for the wrong reasons. The article makes several points about the irony of Apple’s popularity in the tech-world given the secrecy, an old world concept in the new open web 2.0 world, with which they work.This is fine and good, but the big question I [...]
at CMU, Pittsburgh, Next Thursday (Free books!)
(Indexed 2008-03-17):
I’ll be back at my alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University, next week. Last time I spoke there was fun and hope to have another great crowd! I’ll be talking about stories from The Myths of Innovation, but will save lots of time for Q&A. If you’ll be there and have a question, leave a comment [...]
Art of project management for $139!
(Indexed 2008-03-14):
Not sure how to explain it, but while the book has been out of print, it appears to be in short supply. The prices for used copies of The art of project management are hovering over $100 at amazon. And I couldn’t find a single copy listed on ebay. My guess is many folks [...]
Thoughts on Google’s 20% time
(Indexed 2008-03-12):
Everybody loves to think one little trick can make their organization transform into a super creative powerhouse. With the rise of Google, no single tactic comes up more in innovation circles than their concept of 20% time. Simply put, employees get 1/5th of their time to work on projects of their own choosing.For the myths [...]
Corrections wanted for paperback edition of Myths of Innovation
(Indexed 2008-03-11):
The paperback edition of Myths of Innovation is underway. Now is a great time to let me know of any typos, mistakes, oversights, factual errors, or anything else that should be cleaned up. The current list of typos, research issues and corrections can be found at www.mythsofinnovation.com.If you give me a typo [...]
Wednesday linkfest
(Indexed 2008-01-30):
The tipping point reconsidered. A social network researcher at Yahoo disputes some of the claims of Gladwell’s book. The lifecycle of a blog post. What happens after you publish a post? This interactive diagram explains all. Edward De Bono, is a creative thinking master. In his 70s, he is a legend among creative thinking [...]
Do constraints help creative thinking?
(Indexed 2008-01-29):
Can you be creative without constraints? It’s a tricky question. Creative people everywhere complain that they don’t have enough resources to be creative at work. In the lingo, “blue sky” refers to a project where the sky is the limit, and it’s the creative holy grail. “If only I could get a week to think [...]
Any artofpm corrections?
(Indexed 2008-01-04):
The revision of Making things happen (formerly known as the art of project management) is wrapping up. As a last call for anyone with a correction, typo, or reference suggestion they’ve found in their edition of the book, Speak up now! Anything that you’ve though should or could be fixed is fair game.Reward: If [...]
Speaking in Vancouver BC, Tue 1/22
(Indexed 2008-01-04):
I’ll be at VanUE, the Vancouver UX chapter, speaking about creative thinking hacks. Here’s the excerpt:Creative Thinking HacksTuesday, January 22nd, 2008 6:00 to 7:30pmThere will be networking from 5:30 to 6:00pm.Venue: Vancouver Film school.Cost: Free!Description: This new, high risk talk is a volitle combination of never before seen excerpts from the best selling book [...]
The trashing of zen: a rant
(Indexed 2008-01-02):
George Orwell wrote about what happens when we misuse words. A core theme in the novel 1984 is how abuse of language enables other evils. Well the time has come: I’m stepping up to defend the word Zen. Zen is in a sorry state of abuse in 2008. Much like innovation, the word Zen is [...]
What new chapter do you want?
(Indexed 2007-12-18):
The work on Making things happen (the book formerly known as the art of project management) is well underway. Months ago, I asked you to vote on what you wanted. There were many excellent suggestions, which I’ve read and am reviewing, but top votes went to a new chapter:One remaining decision is what the [...]
Comment lottery: win signed copy of the Myths of Innovation
(Indexed 2007-12-11):
Spending some time this week cleaning up the website, and read through lots of old comments. You folks out there who take a couple of minutes to comment help me in tons of ways. Most important, you let me know which posts anyone actually cares about. But you also attract more people to the site, [...]
Most interesting video you’ll see today
(Indexed 2007-12-11):
The new IAC building in Chelsea (NYC) has one of the world’s largest video screens, and this media professor used it to project the film Run Lola Run, as a sequence of hundreds of stills. The effect is like a real time, moving time-line of the movie.I hope this professor teaches better than he runs [...]
Should you ban blackberries at meetings?
(Indexed 2007-12-07):
I’m volunteering to go to the front lines in Todd Wilken’s war against blackberries in meetings. Lifehacker and the NYTimes have taken on similar issues before, and I’m all for it. Here’s why.Any real meeting, where decisions are being made (e.g. not a status meeting) should require people’s full attention. If people are voluntarily comfortable [...]
The best innovation paper you’ve never read
(Indexed 2007-12-07):
It’s rare to find a short, well written paper than nails a subject popular books get wrong. If you agree, and care about breakthroughs and managing innovation, especially on software projects, this is the paper for you.It’s called Managing for breakthroughs in productivity, by Allan L. Scherr (PDF). The article comes from his experience as [...]
Usability is not a verb
(Indexed 2007-12-03):
I started my career in usability, but switched within a year for a management role on the same project. Why? I realized that usability is not a verb. For all the data and advice I gave my smart team, I was dependent on them to make decisions. I realized my effectiveness in the cause of [...]
The failure of scolidays
(Indexed 2007-11-29):
With the end of year coming around, my highlights and lowlights for 2007 are coming to mind. One clear failure was my Scoliday project. In 2004 I set about creating my own holidays, to honor what I thought was important. I did them that year, fell off in 2005, and the started again in 2006 [...]
The new name for the artofpm book is…
(Indexed 2007-11-29):
Three months ago, I asked all of you to help me decide the name of the revised edition of the art of project management (if you want to know why we’re changing the name, read that last post). After more than 300 votes, here’s what won: Making things happenAfter many discussions with the fine folks [...]
The art of project management - going out of print
(Indexed 2007-11-29):
The time has come. As mentioned a few weeks ago, the book formerly known as the art of project management will be going out of print. A revised edition, with a new title, will be out in 2008 (If you want to know why, read the post).If you’ve been waiting to buy a copy of [...]
Usability review: iwethey.org
(Indexed 2007-11-23):
I got hit with a case of the lazies, and didn’t get to my promised free usability reviews until now. These will be high speed reviews: 10 minutes of analysis, and the rest of my time (30-45 minutes per site) spent explaining the issues and offering alternatives.Drew Kime submitted this homemade forum software, used [...]
The future of the laptop: designed by kids
(Indexed 2007-11-21):
Amy Tieneman at CNET wrote about a school project, where kids design, and play with, their own paper based laptops. Some of their UI designs are hilarious, if not fascinating. One of my favorites has separate buttons for weird games and really weird games.Here’s an interview with Amy, the kids, and a slideshow [...]
Why conferences have bad speakers
(Indexed 2007-11-12):
We all knows it’s true - most of the time, at most conferences, most speakers won’t be very good. Public speaking is hard, but the low quality of speakers is strange given how most conferences focus on their agenda of speakers. It’s not like they market their event based on free beer or tasty food [...]
Do you use teach with the artofpm book?
(Indexed 2007-10-31):
Work is underway for the revision of the art of project management. One goal is to make the book more useful for teachers, professors, or even team leads who work through the book with their team.If this is you, I want to chat and get your input - Either leave a comment, or contact me. [...]
Do you use / teach with the artofpm book?
(Indexed 2007-10-31):
Work is underway for the revision of the art of project management. One goal is to make the book more useful for teachers, professors, or even team leads who work through the book with their team.If this is you, I want to chat and get your input - Either leave a comment, or contact me. [...]
Are you a leader or a tracker?
(Indexed 2007-10-29):
We have truly messed up our job titles. Somehow, somewhere, the job title project manager became lame. I don’t know if it was born this way, or if it happened over time, but it’s a shame. Here’s what I think happened - we’ve confused project tracking with project leading. If you take any interesting work [...]
Lessons from amazing projects: Russian Ark
(Indexed 2007-10-29):
We’ve all had tough projects, but this one might just top them all, and it hits on three of my favorite topics: design, management, and film making. Here’s the rundown: It’s a feature length film shot on an independent film budget. It’s one continuous 90 minute shot. The film spans 33 rooms of the famed [...]
Why you should be bad at something
(Indexed 2007-10-13):
I read an NYT article recently about The Really Terrible Orchestra. Their goal, in their own words, is as follows: The policy of the orchestra is to make no distinction between the various grades of ability and the various forms of music, or time signature. The RTO looks forward to a further lowering of standards, [...]
Why I love Australia
(Indexed 2007-10-10):
Just got back from speaking on innovation at the Web Directions conference in Sydney, followed by two weeks of vacation there with my wife. It’s my second time to Australia and I have to say, it’s my favorite country on the planet to visit. Here’s why: The people rock. I can’t recall anywhere I’ve been [...]
Forums locked due to general hate of phpbb
(Indexed 2007-09-25):
I locked down the forums recently on the basic principle that if takes more time to maintain and de-spam something than to actually use it, something is very wrong.So I’m looking to replace phpbb with something more HTML/CSS friendly, that has less-evil UI for maintenance, and post 1995 spam handling, let me know. I’m [...]
PM Clinic: Week 31 discussion summary
(Indexed 2007-08-23):
Working with programmer/architectsCompiled: 5/31/2005The Situation:My mid-sized web development company recently reorganized. I’m a mid-level project manager leading a team of 10 programmers, testers and designers. As part of the reorg my team is expected to work with "the architect". He’s been at the company for a long time as a programmer (started at same time [...]
Help decide the title of a book
(Indexed 2007-08-17):
For reasons I can’t fully explain here, the 2nd edition of Art of project management will have a new title. Yes, it’s a huge pain in the ass, but this stuff happens - and i swear, my publisher and I would avoid this if we could, but as things turned out, we can’t - that’s [...]
Upcoming speaking: Seattle, Philadelphia and more
(Indexed 2007-07-27):
The book is still getting some great buzz, and I’m on the road much of the next few months talking about the book. Here are some upcoming gigs:July 25, OSCON, Portland, ORAugust 10, Amazon.com, SeattleAugust 14, Whitepages.com, SeattleAugust 24, Expedia.com, SeattleSept 21, Management Week, SpiderProject Inc, Kiev, UkraineSept 25-29, Web Directions South, Sydney, AustraliaOct 21-23, [...]
Art of PM book: what do you want in 2nd edition?
(Indexed 2007-07-23):
I’m working w/O’Reilly on an updated 2nd edition of The art of project management. We’re brainstorming ideas for how to improve the book, but agreed to start with you folks. How can we improve the book? Here are a few ideas, but feel free to add your own.If you have longer suggestions/gripes or want to [...]
Innovation history: the bouncing bomb
(Indexed 2007-06-19):
One highlight of my research in innovation history is the story of Barnes Wallis and the bouncing bomb of WWII.In short: The Allies needed a way to destroy Nazi damns and no ordinance of the time was sufficient for the purpose. Barnes developed a way to drop a bomb, on water, several hundred yards from [...]
Management by fire: Bourdain on leadership
(Indexed 2007-06-14):
A great interview with Anthony Bourdain about managing and leadership. I mention Bourdain’s book, Kitchen confidential in The art of project management. But this interview goes all out on the similarities between how pro kitchens work and how teams work.“Every kitchen has one evil genius who’s toleratedsomeone you turn to when all else failsa [...]
Myths of Innovation: $14.99 on amazon
(Indexed 2007-06-12):
It’s still a mystery how amazon.com sets its pricing, but the Myths of Innovation is at an all time low at $14.99 (Lists at $25) - this is 40% off the cover price.No idea how long it will last - they don’t tell the authors these things.
How to innovate on time
(Indexed 2007-06-12):
I’ve taught the tutorial How to innovate on time a few times now, and the big takeaway for most is the need to carve out time for failure. That’s right, failure. Plenty of notable innovation quotes talk about the need to fail, for example:If you want to succeed, double your failure rate. - Thomas J. [...]
Today: Radio tour!
(Indexed 2007-06-06):
The next two weeks I’ll be on various radio stations talking about the Myths of Innovation. Some of these are available online and I’ll add links as I find them.Today (Wednesday)USA Network, national, DaybreakCable Radio Network - CRN, Cable TalkKYMO Morning showThe Good life, Sirius satellite radioThursdayCharles Goyette Show, KFNX-AM PhoenixMorning edition, KVON AM San [...]
(Seattle) Book release party, Thurs May 10th
(Indexed 2007-05-01):
When a book is first off the presses it’s time for celebration - So to kick off the the release of my new book is this little shindig.The great folks at the McLoud residence (an art gallery and much much more) are letting me use part of their space, and you’re invited.Where: McLeod residence, 2209 [...]
How I became a Cory Doctorow fan
(Indexed 2007-04-09):
Last month my e-tech talk was right after Peter Biddle and Cory Doctorow’s session. The schedule gave me 10 minutes to set up so I got up there as soon as they finished. This is always a perfect storm, as there are often people waiting to chat with the previous speaker, the speaker him/herself loving [...]
Bay area/Seattle book tour: venues wanted!
(Indexed 2007-03-12):
The Myths of innovation book is wrapping up fast and it’s time to put together another crazy kick-ass no-frills book tour.Stop 1: I’m planning to hit the bay-area for a few days in mid-May. For the last tour I spoke at Google, Yahoo, Adobe, Sun, Macromedia & Baychi. Do you have a venue and [...]
Speaking in Moscow, April 25th
(Indexed 2007-03-07):
The fine folks at Moscow’s IT-Online have invited me to teach a one day seminar on management April 25th (registration here). I’ve never been to Russia before and I’m looking forward to it - and I’ll be in St. Petersburg for a few days - If you have travel advice for this part of the [...]
How to start meetings on time (the honest version)
(Indexed 2007-03-01):
Starting and stopping on time is easy. One person with power simply has to decide to care, the rest follows. Having recently survived a tragicomic 8 way international conference call, an experience worthy of the 4th level of hell, I’m here to offer 5 honest tips that would have saved the day:If you called the [...]
First interview about Myths of Innovation
(Indexed 2007-02-27):
I had a blast speaking at Adaptive Path’s MX conference recently about the Myths of Innovation book. I had the closing slot which can be tough, but the crowd was great and gave me a chance to have some fun (podcast of this talk is coming)One highlight was being interviewed by Sarah Nelson, a design [...]
Do headlines make us dumber?
(Indexed 2007-02-26):
In the parade of mis-represented research that is modern journalism, we have this short article from MSNBC, titled “Do meetings make us dumber?“. The article starts with: People have a harder time coming up with alternative solutions to a problem when they are part of a group, new research suggests.Which people are these exactly? Articles, [...]
The life of a book: part 2
(Indexed 2007-02-09):
Months ago I described my experiences with book sales called the life of a book. Almost a year has gone by since then: time for an update for those curious about what it’s like on this side of the book.Here are 12 months of amazon rankings for artofpm (courtesy of rankforest):The bad news:Essays proved [...]
Difference making: darfurwall.org
(Indexed 2007-02-06):
I recently met Jonah Burke, one of the directors of the darfur foundation, to chat about innovation. I came across his project, darfurwall.org, at Ignite Seattle, a local tech-sector meetup.Months ago I wrote a preechy essay about difference making: well, here’s an example of someone doing the real thing.Not only is darfurwall.org a clever piece [...]
This week in pm-clinic: the white knight
(Indexed 2007-01-29):
After a few weeks on hiatus, the pm-clinic is back. With a vengeance. New tales of management challenges and great advice await.This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:I was asked by to take over a troubled project. This group is managed by my boss’ peer so I am now dotted-line-reporting to [...]
MLK, technology and inspiration
(Indexed 2007-01-15):
What gets me every time I hear Martin Luther King speak is this: he didn’t have a blog. Nor did he use podcasts, e-mails or i-phones. He was a low tech-man. All he needed was a podium, a microphone and an audience. He was influential because of what he said and how he said it, [...]
In defense of simplicity
(Indexed 2007-01-10):
Recently two notable design advocates, Don Norman and Joel Spolsky, challenged the value of simplicity in design, and I’m here to offer a late defense.ConfusionIt’s easy to confuse success with quality, and both articles discount our secret inability to make satisfying choices. We are attracted to things with more features, that cost less, or come [...]
When should you take vacation? A strategy
(Indexed 2007-01-03):
I remember when I first entered the full time working world, I was clueless about how to best use vacation, and I followed the herd like the good young sheep I was. Here in the U.S. the annual average is a measly 13 days (Compared to Italy’s 42 and France’s 37): a pittance if you [...]
I want your photographs
(Indexed 2006-12-12):
With the first draft done on the innovation book, it’s now time to enlist bright creative minds in helping the book be all it can be.I’m forming a small, elite photography squad to help find fun, clever, amazing photos to appear in the book. Like my first book (collage below), I need strong images to [...]
Idea killers: ways to stop ideas
(Indexed 2006-11-13):
Last week in the creative thinking course I’m teaching at UW, we spent time listing idea killers. Statements we’ve heard, or used, that stop ideas in their tracks. Have any to add?Mostly these are used as thought inhibitors: they don’t require any thought to say. They’re used as flinch negative responses, dismissing without explanation. Unlike [...]
Mindcamp 3.0: report
(Indexed 2006-11-13):
Seattle mindcamp was this past weekend and surprise: they let me in!Here’s the short report:The good: New format rocked. The innovative organizers chose to take a risk and have pre-filled out forms for sessions. It made a dramatic difference: the quality of session titles and descriptions was very high. Encouraging people to plan paid off, [...]
Time’s best inventions of 2006
(Indexed 2006-11-08):
Although this list isn’t in a web friendly top ten format, it’s certainly interesting to see what the folks at Time ranked as the best inventions of 2006.Some are interesting, but enough are so consumer focused that I can’t help but feel every major magazine these days is more lifestyle catalog than anything else.Pictured at [...]
Browser review: Opera 9.02
(Indexed 2006-11-07):
Rounding out this week of browser reviews: to be honest I can’t recall the last time I took a serious look at Opera - regardless of when it was, 9.02 is a much improved and simplified experience. The toolbars look sharp, the clutter and over-featured UI of previous releases is gone, and I felt invited [...]
Can CounterStrike teach your team? (Video games as training tools)
(Indexed 2006-10-25):
One of the many great conversations I had at the Construx summit was about how games like Quake, CounterStrike and Warcraft teach people basic teamwork and communication concepts.Well, wouldn’t you know: A report was published this month by the American Federation of Scientists making similiar claims.Here’s a CNN article on the topic and the full [...]
This week in pm-clinic: Haunted by ghost employees
(Indexed 2006-10-24):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:A handful of managers that have worked together for years are good friends. One of them, the one with the least competent reputation, left over a year ago, and is now being hired back into the company as a perennial contractor (product manager).Every time my team has interacted with [...]
This week in ux-clinic: Managing usability time
(Indexed 2006-10-09):
This week in the ux-clinic discussion group:I’m a single usability engineer serving over 100 programmers across a dozen ongoing projects. I focus on a couple projects at once, but have large amount of miscellaneous work that comes to me from the other projects.My major challenge is that the project teams I work with generally have [...]
This week in pm-clinic: Killing the zombie project
(Indexed 2006-10-09):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:I’m a pm for a web development company - I have what we call a zombie: a project that lives on forever for no good reason. The client continually makes rounds of tiny changes, often to things where they can’t provide specific or actionable feedback so we can’t get [...]
How to create & manage ideas: the course
(Indexed 2006-10-06):
This fall I’m teaching a course for the University of Washington in the Masters of Communication in Digitial Media Program - the topic? How to create and manage ideas.If you’re curious, here’s the syllabus (PDF).We’re heading into week 3, all about the history of ideas. And you can follow the course along if you [...]
The product vision test
(Indexed 2006-10-03):
An old PM trick I learned years ago is that whenever you start something, it’s just as important to list the non-goals for the project, as it is to list the goals themselves. The reason is that non-goals, things that people might confuse with real goals, are where all the lost effort and wasted time [...]
Can we do better than Gannt charts?
(Indexed 2006-09-28):
Leisa over at disambiguty laments the absence of Gannt charts in various popular project management tools - In a fun post she not only comments on basecamp and the brand new GoPlan, but advises on the wins gained by visualizing schedules.In comments I ask the question: Why in nearly 100 years haven’t we found a [...]
Innovation survey: results summary
(Indexed 2006-09-19):
Last month I ran an open survey on innovation to help with my book in progress. Nearly 100 people from scientists, to programers, to writers to researchers, volunteered their time and answered my questions. The results were amazing and I’m still filtering through the stories and data.Here are three samples from the survey:Defining innovation. [...]
This week in pm-clinic: thick vs. thin specs
(Indexed 2006-09-18):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:One ongoing debate in my world is thick vs. thin specs. The thick camp believes that specs need to be detailed (thick) and that specifications should be comprehensive to the point that most issues are well covered and that the spec can answer most questions programmers and testers have. [...]
Back from Australia: quick report
(Indexed 2006-09-17):
I’m bad at blogging while on vacation - the swich in my head for blogging goes off, which explains two weeks of zero posts.However it’d be nice if I got the hang of explaining before I disapear - a note to self for next time.Quick report:Australia rocks. We had a great time in Sydney, Melbourne [...]
This week in ux-clinic: harvesting the idea farm
(Indexed 2006-08-29):
This week in the ux-clinic discussion group:We’re early on a project and doing lots of prototypes and crazy UI exploration. But as the design manager, I know its almost time to turn the corner and focus. My problem is my team is in love with how they’re working, and I don’t know how to harvest [...]
This week in pm-clinic: The need for two faced managers
(Indexed 2006-08-29):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:I manage a rapid prototyping team in for a major consumer software product. We partner with real dev teams from around the org, and explore out ideas they don’t have time for. The group is new and I’m under continual pressure from above to justify the group’s existence (a [...]
Seattle: Crash course in web design & usability
(Indexed 2006-08-02):
Biznik is a fun Seattle business networking group - they host local events and meetups for people looking to trade skills and meet interesting folks. Every member I’ve met so far seems smart and cool, so it’s time to get involved.So, this month UX expert Ario and I are running a Biznik event:A crash course [...]
Firefox 2.0 Beta 1 - short review
(Indexed 2006-08-02):
It’s been months since I’ve commented on Firefox, IE and the state of web browser design. I’m back: I recently installed Beta 1 of FF 2.0 and here’s a short review.Beta 1 releases are tricky strategically: you wan’t to hold back on some big features so competitors have less time to recover, but you do [...]
Australia: Leading successful projects, the course
(Indexed 2006-08-02):
The good folks at step two designs are taking me on tour in Australia next month - If you or anyone you know lives in the only country that doubles as a continent, please help spread the word.Where: Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne - Sept. 1,6,8What: An interactive fast paced class for folks who lead or work [...]
This week in pm-clinic: Managing proof of concept
(Indexed 2006-07-31):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:I’m a project leader in a research organization - as in a hard core blue sky R&D future thinking lab. We loosely organize around projects but our goals are the inverse of typical software: it’s the IP and the concepts we invent that people pay us for, not feature [...]
CHI 2007 - We want you
(Indexed 2006-07-25):
CHI 2007 , in San Jose, CA 4/28-5/3 2007, is the big dog of UI conferences - it’s one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive ways to learn about what’s happening in the HCI / interface design world.The big challenge is quality presenters - finding qualified people willing to get up there and [...]
This week in pm-clinic: the myths of buffer
(Indexed 2006-07-24):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:I’m a lead programmer on a web 2.0′ish startup. Our team of 7 released an alpha version last week and we’re planning the final release, and need to make partner date commitments for launch.Our biggest debate is buffer. All of our experienced programmers have pet philsoophies about buffer and [...]
This week in ux-clinic: Getting the new up to speed
(Indexed 2006-07-17):
This week in the ux-clinic discussion group:Right now, our company is growing by leaps and bounds and an initiative has been put forth to reduce the time it takes a new hire to become productive. My question really is what approach have others seen work when it comes to getting new hires (fresh out of [...]
This week in pm-clinic: interviewing managers
(Indexed 2006-07-17):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:Times have changed at my company and I’m looking for a management role. I was hired as a software developer, but have picked up some project management work through promotions. Since I have no experience either interviewing potential PMs/managers or being interviewed myself, I don’t know what to expect [...]
How skunkworks got its name
(Indexed 2006-07-13):
The history of innovation has many legends, some of which hold more truth than others. The legend of Skunkworks, in my research so far, holds up well.The term is commonly used to mean secret projects done within an organization.The name was born for a special defense project, the P-80 aircraft, at Lockheed. The plan [...]
This week in pm-clinic: turning the tide
(Indexed 2006-07-10):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:I have just joined as a Project Manager at a software house employing 130 people, 90 of which are involved in software. The engineers are talented but number of PMs is low and failed projects is high. CEO is technical, but sees PM is a discipline he has neglected [...]
Quick kill project management
(Indexed 2006-07-07):
Friend and fellow O’Reilly author Andrew Stellman has a new article up on what he calls Quick Kill project management - how to do smart development on impossible schedules.It’s a short article on high speed vision docs, work breakdowns, and code reviews.Found on slashdot, which has some interesting responses.More from Stellman here.
Mistakes in technical leadership (Hacknot)
(Indexed 2006-06-22):
For the last half-hour I’ve been jamming on essays at hacknot, on leadership and management in the tech-sector. The essays are somewhere between Joel On Software and Paul Graham in topic and tone, range from ethical challenges, opinion bias, and Delusions of crowds, to critiquing claims of agile methods.Not sure why but I like finding [...]
Berkun down under: Sept. workshops in Australia
(Indexed 2006-06-20):
Working out the final details with the fine folks at Step two designs to teach my workshop on Leading UX teams. More details to follow but tentative dates are:Sydney, Sept 1stCanberra, Sept 5thMelbourne, Sept 8thThe one day workshop will be a crossover between project management and UX design, hiting all the sweet spots folks leading [...]
Hard conversations
(Indexed 2006-06-20):
An interesting link from Reforming project management: Harvard Business school writes about Morning meetings - a daily meetup where leaders meet to get in sync. The essay is ok, but one passage caught my eye:In contrast, two qualities characterize high-functioning leadership teams: (1) hard conversations happendifficult issues move quickly from people’s heads to the conference [...]
Love and hate: the management of Mark Cuban
(Indexed 2006-06-20):
Where do you draw the line for passion?Watching Mark Cuban’s behavior as owner of Dallas Mavericks, currently vieing for the NBA championships, is a love and hate fest for me. There’s are hints of goodness in him, but it’s lost in his choices of expression. He’s an echo of some tech-sector VPs and managers I’ve [...]
This week in pm-clinic: Shifting a culture
(Indexed 2006-06-19):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:I’m a development lead in a high powered web development company. We beat competitors on speed and quality technology, and engineers like me do the closest thing to project management. We avoid specs and docs, working in small enough teams that fast communication is pretty easy. There is a [...]
Small tales of technology failure
(Indexed 2006-06-16):
Every now and then I’ve seen airport arrivals boards showing only the blue screen of death - This time it was somewhere new. I walked past about 10 gates to find the arcade, only to find new evils lurking inside those tall 1980s style video games.Depressed at my inability to crash up some cars while [...]
This week in pm-clinic: A management puzzle
(Indexed 2006-06-12):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum:As a break from situations, for this week here’s a PM puzzle that never fails to surface astonishing pet theories and assumptions:Since a 100 person-day project cannot be practically completed in 1 day with 100 people, it’s safe to assume it cannot be completed in 2 [...]
This week in ux-clinic: Keep ‘em seperated?
(Indexed 2006-06-12):
This week in the ux-clinic discussion forum:I’m a lead designer (manage team of 5 usability and design folks) who was told last week to merge with another UX team. I’ll be the overall manager, but I’ve never managed a group this large. My team services about 10 projects across the company, and we’re a [...]
Saving the world by laptop
(Indexed 2006-06-08):
The most challenging design works involve big constraints, noble goals and few rewards - and one candidate for design work of the year is the One laptop per child project. It satisfies most of my philosophical gripes about technology and is directed squarely at the digital divide in the third world.Worldchanging.org has an update and [...]
Free book for startups: special offer
(Indexed 2006-05-30):
Are you, or is someone you know, currently working full time at a start-up company? Do you like free copies of bestselling books? Then read on.I’m trying to learn if anything I said in the art of project management applies well to start-up environments. While some chapters don’t work as well as others, my hypothesis [...]
Great management in progress: NBA playoffs
(Indexed 2006-05-25):
I’m aware of the risks of stretching topics to the point of transparency, but I have to note the high quality of what’s happening in the NBA playoffs right now, at least from a team and management perspective. The best lessons I’ve learned about teamwork, leadership and success come from my experience in competitve sports [...]
Three great machines and innovation limitation
(Indexed 2006-05-23):
In the course of my life I’ve owned only three great machines - three devices built so well that they not only lasted more than a decade, but served their purposes so well that I never sought to replace them with newer models or the latest features. And by my count, I spent more time [...]
The things you never hear
(Indexed 2006-05-10):
The other day, at drinks after a consulting gig, I chatted with some of the team. The star topic of conversation was an unpopular manager - someone said: “He’s a good guy, but someone really needs to tell him how broken his approach to management is.” It didn’t seem like anyone at the table was [...]
This week in pm-clinic: Management at start-ups
(Indexed 2006-05-01):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum - The softer side:I’m working at my third tech sector start-up company. This one is a web 2.0 type shop (consumer facing web service) comprised of me and four other programmers. We divide up the work to avoid conflicts, giving each programmer great autonomy and minimizing the need [...]
Review: 37signal’s Getting real, the book
(Indexed 2006-04-17):
The folks at 37 signals have well earned their reputation for making great web applications. They’ve established a strong identity for with a line of web tools for project management (Basecamp), To-do lists (Backpack) and simple collaboration (Whiteboard).They recently published a short book called “Getting real” about how to build web apps - and here’s [...]
This week in pmclinic: Mutiny
(Indexed 2006-04-10):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum- Mutiny:MutinyThis is one for the history books - I have quite the situation on my hands. I’m the PM for a 15 person team. My peer is the lead developer, who manages 6 programmers (of the 15). We disagreed on a major project decision, brought [...]
How to know your staff hates you
(Indexed 2006-04-05):
Sometimes people are subtle - other times, well, not so much.Take this parting shot left for the manager of a Vancouver coffee shop.How damaged must the lines of communication been if four people, collectively, decided this was the only way to get their point across?Full story - Mutiny at the cafe.(Link from flee.com)
ArtofPM on Business Week
(Indexed 2006-04-04):
Recent article about the Do-it-yourself MBA movement mentions The art of project management as a popular book among these groups, specifically the Personal MBA run by Josh Kaufman.Can a personal MBA match the real McCoy?(Thanks to faisal.com for the link)
Pms vs. Programmers (This week in pmclinic)
(Indexed 2006-04-03):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum- PMs vs. Programmers:Welcome to April (If you’re in the USA, time to get your taxes done). Here’s this week’s situation: The raging debate in my corner of the world is PMs vs. programmers. Our management just agreed to hire another two PMs for our [...]
A year in the life of a book: a summary
(Indexed 2006-04-03):
My first book was published almost a year ago - While no one can predict book sales, that hasn’t stopped people, especially writers, from trying.Below you’ll find a year’s worth of amazon.com sales data for The art of project management (provided by rankforest.com) with notes on my activities (This starts 4 weeks after the [...]
The GEL Conference (May 4/5) - Why you should go
(Indexed 2006-03-29):
The early registration deadline for GEL 2006 ends next week, so it's a good time to make a pitch for why you should go.Good Experience live is the only conference I've been to that is self-reflective: many of the principles of design and good user experience espoused during the day can be found [...]
Surviving the blue sky project (This week in ux-clinic)
(Indexed 2006-03-27):
This week in the ux-clinic discussion forum- Lost in the tag cloud: Here's this week's situation: We finally got buy in to fund a future thinking blue sky design exploration for future releases of our software and websites. Problem is: we can't decide if we should have internal designers do the work, or hire [...]
Quality is job #15 (This week in pm-clinic)
(Indexed 2006-03-27):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum- Quality is job #15: Here's this week's situation:We just shipped v2 of our project - but few are cheering. To meet our dates we dropped quality on the floor (reliability, usability... you name it) and everyone knows it. There's already talk about what commitments we have for [...]
ArtofPM wins Jolt Productivty award
(Indexed 2006-03-16):
We didn't take the cake, but we got a nice runner up prize. BOOKS GENERALJolt Winner: Prefactoring by Ken Pugh (O'Reilly)Productivity Winners: Innovation Happens Elsewhere: Open Source as Business Strategy by Goldman, Gabriel Producing Open Source Software: How to Run a Successful Free Software Project by Fogel (O'Reilly) The Art of Project Management [...]
Cool != Good and the future of UI
(Indexed 2006-03-13):
One of the sensory highlights of E-tech '06 was the demo of the multitouch interaction project from NYU. I've seen projects like this before, as things like it have been tried in the past, but this is the most polished and advanced of its kind. As you can tell from the picture, this display [...]
This week in pm-clinic: the “poof” of concept
(Indexed 2006-03-13):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum- preventing "poof" of concept: For months I've been pushing my VP to fund a project to enable our websites to produce and use RSS feeds (including newsreader like customization) - I was turned down every time, until yesterday. He's given me the green light and assigned [...]
This week in pm-clinic: the boss who won’t listen
(Indexed 2006-02-13):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum- The boss who won't listen: Months ago I informed my boss of my concerns for a project he was managing. He didn't seem to be aware of the issues, so I mentioned them in our mutual best interest. He told me, polite but firm, he didn't [...]
This blog: weekly situations - yay or nay
(Indexed 2006-02-01):
I run two discussion mailing lists - one on design and usability (uxclinic) and one on project management (pmclinic).Question: In the past I've posted the weekly situations here on the blog. Sometimes people post comments on 'em, but often they just sit there taking up space. I'm thinking now that if you're into the situations, [...]
Why vision documents stink
(Indexed 2006-02-01):
At a talk yesterday I asked an audience of program managers how many of them had read a vision document. Most of the 100+ in the room raised their hands. I then asked how many had read a document they thought was good: about a dozen kept their hands up. I've asked this question [...]
2006 JOLT Awards
(Indexed 2006-01-24):
The nominations are in: The art of project management is a finalist for the 2006 Jolt Awards, sponsored by CMP. Here are the General book nominations: Ambient Findability: What We Find Changes Who We Become by Peter Morville (O'Reilly) Best Software Writing by [...]
Exceptions to Brooks’ Law
(Indexed 2006-01-11):
In Fred Brooks' Mythical Man Month, he states: Brooks's Law: adding manpower to a late software project makes it later. In the book he notes that it is an "outrageous oversimplification", but most laws of this kind are. The trouble is that there are important exceptions that many people don't take the [...]
Interview with Fred Brooks (Fortune magazine)
(Indexed 2006-01-10):
Fortune magazine has an interview with the legendary Fred Brooks, author of the grand classic The mythical man month. 30 years in print and the book still outsells almost every project management or software development book out there.They asked him about open source, Microsoft Vista, and how Brooks law applies to other fields.Interview with [...]
Review of artofpm on slackermanager
(Indexed 2006-01-10):
SlackerManager has a fresh review of art of PM:This is a really great book and ought to have a permanent place on any managers (not just project managers) desk. Highly recommended for managers of all experience levels.Full review
This week in PmClinic: Help a randomized team
(Indexed 2006-01-09):
This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum How to help a randomized team: "My team is trying to transition from being purely an integration and maintance team into having real customers with problems, feature requests, complaints, etc. There is a customer support organization but they're often slow and don't understand enough [...]