by Dwayne Phillips Being a grandfather has taught me a few things about managing work. How can a baby teach an adult so much in so little time? I am a grandfather; I have been one for 6 1/2 wonderful months. I see my grandson on average every three to seven days (funny how I […]
Grandparents and (other) Managers
May 21st, 2009 · No Comments
Tags: Learning · Management · People · Uncategorized
Learning
May 14th, 2009 · No Comments
by Dwayne Phillips I learned something big and useful this week – really useful. After kicking myself for not knowing it already, I grew some humility. Learning comes from unexpected people, times, and places. I resolve to use what energy I have to pay attention for the next thing coming my way. I learned something […]
Tags: Learning · Observation · Technology · Uncategorized
But in Conclusion
May 11th, 2009 · No Comments
by Dwayne Phillips There are many methods to use to reach a conclusion. Since they all involve fallible people like me, most of the methods are fallible. Expect requests for further study. Anticipate them and ask others to study alongside you from the beginning. Arriving at a conclusion is a primary task of an engineer, […]
Tags: Culture · Judgment · Learning · Management · Observation
The Fable of the Watermelon Monsters
March 23rd, 2009 · No Comments
by Dwayne Phillips Bringing about change in a group of people is perhaps the most difficult task anyone can undertake. An old fable sheds light on one technique for encouraging change. I wish I knew the origin of this little fable. I hope that I relay it well enough. Anyways, here goes: Once upon a […]
Tags: Change · Culture · Fable · Learning · Management · People
A Sense of Urgency (Energy)
March 19th, 2009 · No Comments
by Dwayne Phillips Urgency and energy are great qualities to have in the people on your project. Urgency can be instilled in people via careful and thoughtful motivation. Energy may come in the door with some people. Given either of these, work moves quickly. Without them, work doesn’t move. I have become my father. That […]
Tags: Learning · Management · Uncategorized
Education Games and Simulations
March 12th, 2009 · No Comments
by Dwayne Phillips Games can be great teaching instruments. Some people are able to use computer games as education tools. Computer games, however, are costly to create. Simulations of real life can be created with far fewer resources. I recommend two places where you can experience such simulations. I just finished reading an article about […]