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ADHD in the Workplace: A Manager's Journey

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A Guide for Thriving with and Managing ADHD Minds Two years ago, a senior software engineer on my team told me he had ADHD. He was struggling with his medication, lack of sleep, and difficulties with focus. His communication, both spoken and written, was often "fuzzy" and lacked a clear cohesive structure. While he was exceptionally good at tackling a high volume of less complex tasks, he struggled with the deep focus required for larger, more difficult projects. After a year of mentorship and coaching, the company ultimately decided to let him go. At the time, I didn't realize that I also had ADHD, nor was I aware of the potential "superpowers" and bright side of the condition. If I had known, I might have approached his development more effectively, changing the perception he had within the company and leveraging his strengths. My own journey through my career, first as an engineer and then as a manager, was marked by similar, subtle struggles. As an engineer,...
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Beyond the Buzzwords: How to Track Your Software Team's Progress

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"How do you measure your team's performance? How do you know they're improving?" This is a question I hear constantly from managers, team leads, and even team members themselves. In a world driven by data, it's natural to seek objective ways to track progress. The key, however, is not just to collect data, but to measure what truly matters. Metrics should be a compass, not a report card. They are tools for learning, identifying bottlenecks, and sparking conversations that lead to genuine improvement. They should never be used to punish individuals or compare teams in an unhealthy way. To help you navigate this landscape, I’ve curated a collection of powerful metrics organized into three distinct but interconnected spheres: Process , Technical Excellence , and Business Impact . Remember, every team and environment is unique. Your goal is to select a balanced set of metrics that align with your team's context and your company's strategic goals. 1. The Proce...
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Mastering Backlog Refinement: A Practical Guide to Building the Right Thing

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If you're reading this, chances are you and your team are striving for a more productive and effective way to work. You're not alone. In the fast-paced world of software development, the ability to adapt and plan effectively is what separates good teams from great ones. This article tackles one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—practices in agile development: Backlog Refinement . We'll break down common mistakes and clarify the ambiguities that often derail this process. While some concepts may seem basic at first, building a strong foundation is the key to reaching new heights of efficiency and focus. Let's dive in and demystify the art of backlog refinement. What is Backlog Refinement? Backlog Refinement (formerly known as "backlog grooming") is the ongoing process of reviewing, discussing, and preparing items in the Product Backlog for future Sprints. The goal is to ensure that the items at the top of the backlog are well-understood and ready fo...
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