Overcoming Bias

When Asking “WHY” Becomes Counterproductive.

As a manager, it is important to be conscious of the impact of communication and language. Asking too many questions can make others feel defensive and lead to arguments. To avoid this, it is important to change the way of questioning and be prepared for meetings in advance. This will help to have productive discussions and create a positive team culture.

Managing Team Conflict and Helping Engineers Gain Confidence

This story is about a junior engineer who was feeling disrespected and talked over by a senior engineer. The author, a new manager, was able to help the junior engineer by listening and empathizing, coaching her on how to receive critical feedback, and introducing team practices that gave everyone a chance to speak. Through regular coaching sessions, the junior engineer gained trust and confidence in herself and the team. In the end, she became a star performer and went on to work for a major Silicon Valley company. The author learned the importance of listening, problem solving, teaching empathy, setting good team practices, and pulling rank only occasionally.

Being the Only Woman In the Room

This article discusses the challenges that women face in the workplace and offers advice on how to overcome them. It suggests that women should focus on doing things that are smart and be themselves, rather than trying to prove themselves. It also encourages women to be transparent and direct with their colleagues, and to remain calm if something unfair or embarrassing happens. Finally, it suggests that women should give people the benefit of the doubt and not let emotions influence their decisions.

Delivering Brutal Feedback

A security consultant was hired despite having been fired from a top security program. He was difficult to manage due to poor interpersonal communication, time management, and hygiene. After giving him direct, honest feedback and explaining the importance of client relationships, he was able to avoid making mistakes and eventually became a successful security consultant. The lesson learned is that each employee is an individual and can be redeemed if the right approach is taken.

Dealing with Toxic Employees

In a situation where two people were getting into heated arguments, the author took action to coach them, but realized that they were not paying enough attention to the effects of their behavior on other people. Through this experience, the author learned that dealing with toxic employees is a balancing act of trying to make both the employee and the team successful, and that it is important to pay attention to how people are treating each other and take action to resolve conflicts as early as possible.

Paving the Way for the Women of Tomorrow

This is a story of a woman in the technology field who has experienced the lack of female representation and has taken it upon herself to do something about it. She has learned the importance of leaning in with a diversity initiative, and has taken steps to become an example for young women to follow. She has also learned the importance of mentoring and teaching skills to others, and is now focused on leaving a legacy behind. She is thankful for all the help she has received along the way.