Diversity & Inclusion

Motivating a Team to Work on Less Exciting Tasks

When a tech lead expressed disinterest in a feature they were assigned, the team leader took a win-win approach to the situation. Through conversation, they were able to come to a compromise that allowed the tech lead to work on both features in parallel with more resources and access to knowledge. This enabled the team to achieve a successful outcome while also allowing the tech lead to feel more motivated and engaged.

A Look Into the Hiring Pipeline: How to Fine Tune the Interviewing Process

When a company operates remotely, it sources a wide pool of candidates from all over the globe, which affects the outcome of talent acquisition. Refining the hiring process is necessary to identify where candidates are being rejected and to take a holistic approach to hiring. It is important to create an interview template, open up the approach to hiring, and continually refine the interviewing process to find the right fit for the company.

Breaking Out of a Feature Factory

A startup team was struggling to acquire multiple customers due to a lack of strategic direction. To overcome this, they identified tangible hypotheses based on market and customer research to help them build features that would serve many customers. To get people on board, they had to create a compelling product story and convince internal stakeholders. They also had to manage emotions and point to solid facts and research to help customers overcome emotional attachment.

Motivational Public Speaking for Non-Tech Audience

After transitioning from an EM role to a director and VP of Engineering, the author had to adjust to speaking to a non-technical audience in a brief, laser-focused format. To improve their public speaking skills, the author worked with an executive coach, studied different communication styles, and practiced with a partner. Through this process, the author learned to enjoy public speaking, experimented with the style and messaging that worked best, and had a positive impact on the business. The author's team also appreciated that they were well represented.

Finding the Right Office Space for a Startup

A startup moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, and rented a highrise office space with sleek interiors, but soon realized it was too expensive and not necessary for their needs. After consulting the team, they moved to a more affordable space that was better suited for their needs. The lesson learned was to focus on internal growth and invest in an office space that works for the team, not to impress anyone else.

How Work Visa Uncertainty Made Me More Successful at Work

This article is about the challenges of working on a work visa in the US and UK for eight years. It discusses how the author used the uncertainty of their situation to their advantage, pushing themselves to work harder and reinvent themselves every year. It also discusses how the author had to build relationships in a new environment and culture, and learn a different language. The article concludes with the lessons the author learned, such as going out of their comfort zone, taking risks, and being confident and assertive.