People & Teams

Better Software Magazine Articles

Managing Technical People (When You're No Techie)

There's a lot more to managing software teams than understanding the technology. Do you know how to elicit requirements from users? Do you work well with management? Do you have a knack for asking the right questions at the right time? Not knowing where to put the semicolons in a line of code isn't a big deal. Knowing how to lead people–that's a big deal. Elisabeth Hendrickson explains how to bring your own unique talents and skills to the table.
Elisabeth Hendrickson's picture Elisabeth Hendrickson
July 30, 2002
Should a Manager Know a Language?

Knowing C++ or Java can make a manager's job easier. But what about being an expert in spoken language? It's essential to be competent in the use of daily language when you are making the transition to management. Technical Editor Esther Derby gives advice on improving your language, including a warning about the dangers of using absolutes and of leaving out details in conversation.
Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
July 30, 2002
Agile Meetings

Does the thought of going to yet another meeting make your head spin? Read about how to increase your team's productivity by making your meetings short, frequent, and focused.
Linda Rising's picture Linda Rising
July 30, 2002
Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Losing your job is never easy, but the way you handle the experience has a direct impact on the results that you'll be able to achieve. Being laid off can make you question your abilities, but you have to roll with the punches, and enjoy your time off while you're looking for the next opportunity.
Stefan P. Jaskiel
July 30, 2002
Karl Wiegers on Humanizing Peer Reviews

How serious are you about the quality of your work? Learn how to set aside egos and start benefiting from the experience and perspective of your colleagues.
 
Karl E. Wiegers
July 30, 2002
Becoming Indispensable

How can you achieve the lofty status of being an "indispensable" employee? Elisabeth Hendrickson shares some valuable tips, including how to adjust your attitude, where to invest your time, and how to communicate better.
Elisabeth Hendrickson's picture Elisabeth Hendrickson
July 29, 2002
Don't Use Bug Counts to Measure Testers

Cem Kaner tells us why we should not use bug counts to measure testers. Using examples, he illustrates two problems: 1) bug counts are poor measures of individual performance; and 2) the side effects of using bug counts as a measure are serious.
Cem Kaner
July 25, 2002
Women Testing the Waters

Picture the faces around the conference table at your last project meeting. How many women were in the room? And how many of them were testers? Alyn Wambeke explores whether the traditionally male-dominated landscape of testing is changing.
Alyn Wambeke
June 30, 2002
Breaking the Language Barrier

It's wasteful, more often than not, to reinvent the wheel. Christopher Meisenzahl explains how he solved a high-tech automation challenge through the sharing of resources. When faced with similar problems, this sort of collaboration with others may be your most valuable tool—and one that every tester should take advantage of.
Christopher J. Meisenzahl
June 30, 2002
Flying Solo: Is Consulting for You?

Alyn Wambeke interviews several software consultants for their take on the ups and downs of working on their own. He also gives pointers on getting started, and on how to determine if you're up to the challenge.
Alyn Wambeke
June 30, 2002

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