Working Up

Working Up in Project Management, Systems Engineering, Technology, and Writing

Working Up header image 4

John, I am Upset

February 8th, 2024 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips Here is one way to begin what is likely to be an unpleasant conversation. It lessens the unpleasantness and moves toward a more productive conversation. Let’s begin with, “John, I am upset.” (Substitute the other person’s name for John. That was the most alias of names I could find.) There, said the […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Communication · Context · Conversation · Wishes

Large Language Models and Adults

February 1st, 2024 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips Large Language Models appear to have all sorts of problems. I wonder why companies that build such don’t hire adults to help build them. I recently learned that large language models (LLMs) have “sleeper agents” in them. Given some inputs, the LLM starts doing crazy things that it shouldn’t do. Gosh. LLMs […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Artificial Intelligence · Computing · Concepts · Engineering · General Systems Thinking · Testing

Childhood Instructions Carried Into Adulthood

December 4th, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips Most of us received many instructions in childhood. Now that we are in adulthood, are we still tying ourselves to instructions meant for children? Here is something I was told as a child (and I have told many children): Look both ways before crossing the street. I still recommend this instruction for […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Change · Childhood · Decide · Nap · Self

50% of 50%

October 26th, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips Let’s pay attention to some basic math. We don’t like that, but we are adults, so let’s behave accordingly. In some respects, asking, “What is 50% of 50%?” is silly. Ask a mathematician that question. I did recently and the response was a laugh. The answer is 2,500%%. Huh? Everyone knows that […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Approximation · Clarity · Communication · Data Science · Knowledge · Science

No Fun

October 16th, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips Sometimes, the better way to do something isn’t as much fun. A few years ago, I wrote a book on software project management. I began the book with the words, “I like to write software.” I did and still do like to write software. I am simulating a machine that does wonderful […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Accountability · Adults · Employment · Fun · Integrity · Software

The Parking Lot Concierge

September 21st, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips This is something we need. Shopping centers, please read. I’ve seen it many times. An adult steps out of their car in the shopping center parking lot. They have two or more small children with them. All the children are strapped into car seats. Let’s see, unbuckle the oldest child first, or […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Culture · Expectations · Observation · Rest · Security

One Facilitator, Nine Teachers, and Ten Learners

August 31st, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips Facilitated learning sessions offer big benefits. They are not as easy to arrange, but are much better than other methods. There are various ways to conduct classes and learning. The usual method is to have one teacher and nine students. The teacher talks, the students listen (we hope), and the students learn […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Change · Education · Learning · Listening · Teaching

Someone Else’s Experience

August 21st, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips People have their own experiences. Assuming their experience denies them as a person. Try to avoid such. Each person has their own experience with something. It is often the case that several people have similar experiences. That gives me the luxury of describing some “average” experience and continuing to satisfy the “average” […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Expectations · Learning · Other · Patience · Self

Apology

July 31st, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips An apology is just that—an apology. It is neither an explanation nor a justification. Rats! An apology is simple: I did this wrong. I am sorry for that. I ask your forgiveness. An apology does not contain an explanation: I was trying to do such-and-such and … An apology does not contain […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Accountability · Adults · Authentic · Change · Communication · Conversation · Error · Ethics · Excuses · Honesty

In Praise of the Table

May 11th, 2023 · No Comments

by Dwayne Phillips In which I consider what is the ultimate purchase for the home, family, and home business: the table. Consider the humble flat horizontal surface. Narrow the consideration to the kitchen table with four chairs. A quick search shows plenty of choices from $100 on up. Let’s settle for $150. A family eats […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Adults · Authentic · Concepts · Conversation · Economics · Family · General Systems Thinking