Better Software Magazine Articles

What Do They Pay You to Do?

Don't assume that because you have a title or a job description that you can take either one as literal truth. Do you really know what your company pays you to do? Understanding why you were hired can help you assess whether your company's expectations are a match with the personal mission that motivates you.
Johanna Rothman's picture Johanna Rothman
June 26, 2002
Confessions of a Lapsed Academic

After almost twenty-five years as a professor, Elaine Weyuker left academia for full-time work at AT&T. Here, she shares how industry and academia can both benefit from collaborating.
Elaine J. Weyuker
June 26, 2002
The Downsizing of High-Tech America

The success or failure of a downsized organization depends on the work force remaining after the storm. Before deciding to change jobs, survivors should carefully analyze their company's situation. Downsizing many be an indicator of poor economic peformance, or it may be just what the company needed in order to turn itself around. Employees who "weather the storm" may discover new opportunities for career advancement hidden among the ruins.
Stefan Jaskiel
June 26, 2002
At What Cost?

The phrase "Internet Time" connotes urgency. But Technical Editor Esther Derby urges readers to think beyond the fast pace of Internet development, and consider the true costs and benefits of making the deadline.
Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
June 26, 2002
Checking out of the Burnout Ward

Stefan Jaskiel helps you recognize the signs of job burnout (complacency, difficulty focusing, careless attitude, and helplessness), and offers some strategic interventions.
Stefan Jaskiel
June 26, 2002
The Risk in Risk Management

What happens when you perceive a future risk, and others don't? Peter de Jager lays out the hazards of being a risk management visionary.
Peter de Jager's picture Peter de Jager
June 26, 2002
Houston, We Have a Problem

Errors start with individuals, and a primary job of testers/QA people is to prevent those errors in the first place. But an equally important part of the job is to find them once they are there, understanding that errors will happen. Jon Hagar asks, "What can we do personally, above and beyond the normal day-to-day jobs that we testers and developers have?"
Jon Hagar's picture Jon Hagar
June 26, 2002
Developing Your Professional Network

Do you shudder at the thought of having to learn social etiquette in order to manage your professional network? Networking rituals do have to evolve to fit with new communication mechanisms. But the workings of the human psyche haven't changed, and you still need to learn the skills that are necessary to develop a network that can bolster your career.
Danny R. Faught's picture Danny R. Faught
June 26, 2002
Beyond Belief

Technical Editor Esther Derby talks about how unconscious beliefs, filters, and maps influence the way we react to situations and the conclusions we reach.
Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
June 26, 2002
Thinking About Thinking

Esther Derby recommends The Logic of Failure and The Thinking Manager's Toolbox. Both authors share the same goal: helping you be a better problem solver. They stress the importance of recognizing the situation you're in, choosing an appropriate problem-solving strategy, and having the right thinking tools.
Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
June 26, 2002

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