Management Bits and Tips

Due to the complexity of the English language spelling and pronunciation rules there always be words you pronounce incorrectly unless you check every one in a pronunciation dictionary (bit). Consider running your text through a text-to-speech system a part of your preparation (tip).

I now employ this technique as a part of preparation for the forthcoming Webinar series:

Memory Dump and Software Trace Analysis Training and Seminars

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Some people cling to their jobs unwilling to move on because of the possible redundancy payout accumulated over years. They just afraid of loosing it when moving to a new job (bit). Consider job hunting companies that offer a sign off bonus. As a fraction of your possible redundancy package it can ease your departure. Alternatively divide your minimal redundancy package into the number of months, for example, the length of a probation period, and add this to a new compensation when negotiating with your potential employer (tip).

No comments here. 

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

It is impolite to attend a seminar, lecture or training course and read a book there (bit). Use touch-style e-readers (but not Kindle because it is too associated with books) to write notes and you can switch to your favourite pages during breaks (tip).

I recently bought Sony e-Reader PRS 600 and although its screen is a bit reflective compared to Kindle I like its tough capabilities especially when I need to quickly double-click on a word to see its dictionary definition. Reflectiveness is usually not noticeable under a sunlight when I commute. At home in the evening, when reflection is most noticeable, on a sofa I prefer to read a real hardback/paperback book.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

In many companies you can find various e-mail and document retention policies that limit the life span of old reports in case you need them, for example, to compare your performance or defend your stance (bit). Use continuity in sending reports by replying to your previous report (tip).

This is actually an IIRW extension to bit and tip 0×4.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Many people don’t want to accept help either personally or in inter-team context (bit). Never suggest what you don’t want for yourself and even if you want help for yourself suggest assistance (tip).

I originally learnt about this advice from Weinberg’s book “Becoming a Technical Leader: An Organic Problem-Solving Approach”. Today one of my colleagues sent me the link about M. Dell proposing help to Putin’s Russia. May be Dell needs help in this time of economic uncertainty?

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

From time to time it is useful to have formal thank-you-for-your-service letters emphasizing how customers need your services for day-to-day running of their business processes and / or during their critical situations (bit). Have ready templates for asking about such letters (tip).

Follow-through prioritized service requests with feedback templates. If there are no critical issues schedule periodical questionnaires. When people ask you for a service-favour request a letter clarifying how your service-favour reply helped them to do their business.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Some people don’t feel good when they see themselves second or last on To: and Cc: email recipient lists or any other list that lists them (bit). Alphabetize the list and even mention casually that you do so (tip).

Prioritize, Alphabetize, Perspectiwise

The second P is not a misprint but the summary that puts the alphabetization of To: and Cc: lists into perspective wisely!

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

The pressure to deliver is great nowadays (bit). Utilize time-proven software engineering techniques like reuse of accomplishments and artifacts (tip).

Classical example of this is called WORM: write once, report many. For example,  you write an article once and report the number of views every month. Of course, the article needs to be popular enough to report.  

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Thick books impress people (bit). Write and publish a technical book related to your work to show the complexity and importance of what your team does and highlight the technical ability of your department (tip).

If there is a perception among other people that the job of your team is easy and tasks can be accomplished more quickly then sufficiently thick book shows the opposite and emphasizes quality vs. speed.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

When receiving lots of e-mails people pay attention first to something unusual (bit). Flag your request, inquiry or FYI e-mail as low-priority when you send it to a general distribution list (tip).

Here you have a chance to get your e-mail noticed by curious people and if you really sent something unimportant or not appropriate you won’t be accused because your e-mail was flagged as low priority.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -