The approver didn't like the first few versions and the writer has become sick of this project so is becoming more inclined to compromise just to get it signed off. At this point the writer needs to be very clear on who this piece is for. Are they writing for the target audience or are … Continue reading Writing for sign off →

I think one of the scariest displays of emotion is apathy. A stressed or angry outburst every now and then is tolerable but showing a distinct lack of humanity is terrifying. A company choosing to lay people off to protect their profitability. A sports player stepping over a seriously injured player to complain to the … Continue reading Misaligned priorities →

Quitting a job without having another one lined up - brave or foolish? I think this is always going to vary case by case. I think it's foolish to quit your job because Rita spilled tea on your favourite moleskin notepad. Then to consider bravery, if you have been talking about leaving your job for … Continue reading Quitting without a backup →

I can't think of anything to write about. No, scratch that, I can think of something to write about but I can't bring myself to craft a blog post. Because I'm afraid. I'm afraid of being judged. That's the real reason I have writer's block.   The fear of the reader is too great.   … Continue reading This is crap →

I can’t write. I can’t draw. I can’t do maths. For me, the very first thing that a teacher should do is make the student believe they are capable of improving. Because if the student holds the belief that they can’t improve then the greatest technical advice in the world isn’t going to help them. … Continue reading Can’t into can →

Ben shuffled his feet as he began to feel uncomfortable. This team huddle was becoming a bit much. There was a lot of shouting and listing of things the team needed to do. Ben could hear laughter behind him and he turned around to steal a quick glance at the other team training. They all … Continue reading Team spirit →

I think that one of the biggest reasons for not giving one’s opinion is: It might lead to confrontation. We don’t speak up because what if it offends someone and they want to argue with us. So then we just stay quiet or agree with the general consensus. And I think it doesn’t have to … Continue reading Silence to avoid confrontation →

I think rushed work is rarely good work. I think you do your best work when you’re relaxed. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying don’t have deadlines, by all means have deadlines. They definitely help. But set a deadline that gives you ample time to think the project through. When you’re rushing to finish … Continue reading Rushed work →

I heard Steve Jobs said this once to his team of designers. And I have to sympathise with the designers. This has to be up there as one of the most unhelpful pieces of feedback. Because how does the design team find 'it'? They could break into Steve's head and rummage around but as he … Continue reading “I’ll know it when I see it!” →

James Bond and Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling in Crazy, Stupid Love) are two very similar characters. Similar in the sense that they both represent (nearly) every man’s dream. They are so charming they could have any woman they want. They are both devilishly handsome They have great fashion sense and clearly wear very expensive suits. … Continue reading James Bond v Jacob Palmer →