Proud moment
Rolling out a revamped website and product
This was ages ago, but we had a huge system that we completely rearchitected based on user group feedback and internal review. This included not only the UI after a heuristic review, but the underlying architecture & features along with the corporate branding of the website. The project was gigantic and started off seeming impossible, but we stuck with it and (mostly) met the deadline. Customers loved it and the feedback was wonderful. I couldn't be more proud of our accomplishments, both my own and that of my team. It felt great!
Full storySomething that drives me crazy 😵💫 🤬
Meetings just to have a meeting
We've all been there - a weekly meeting pops up on your calendar and after a little ugh/groan, you attend out of duty. After 5 min of "hello" and a few minutes of awkward shuffling, you realize that we likely could have skipped it altogether. Or maybe you jump into a roundtable of "anyone have anything this week?". So let's meet, and let's meet as frequently as we need to. I'm there for you if you throw something on my calendar. But if we can make the meeting effective and have an agenda, we might be able to accomplish so much more together. Unplanned or disorganized and I might lose interest and time from my day.
Full storyEpic work fails
I deleted an entire client-facing Lotus Notes database late at night.
It was late, I was tired, cleanup was needed. We had a couple of years of helpdesk knowledge base articles that were cluttering up our support process so I was cleaning them up one by one. But in a moment of weariness I deleted the whole database instead of a single document. So what did I learn? I learned that it's important to plan for the unexpected always. I had persistent super-admin privileges and thought that I didn't need to separate that or elevate - I'd always be careful, right? Well, mistakes happen so it's almost always the right thing to take the cautious path. You can't always recover elegantly from every oops moment.
Full storyMy Achilles Heel is…
I can sometimes wait for the magic moment to strike before acting.
I work best when there is a looming project and problems to solve, but I can sometimes dwell on the approach too long waiting for the magic "aha" moment to dive in deep. But once I get rolling, look out!
Full storyAm I lucky?
Maybe I'm lucky, or maybe I'm a degenerate. Let's bet on it.
I do like to visit a casino now and then to play video poker or penny slots. I find it fun and relaxing and it really plays to my puzzle-seeking mind, but have no illusions that I'll walk away with a jackpot or two.
Full storyMy superpowers
Let's face it, difficult situations will arise and conflict can occur even in the best work environment. But it's how you deal with the situation that really helps overcome the challenges. I've often been told that I remain calm and approach situations with a warm coaching, constructive criticism, and spirit of let US deal with it instead of let ME deal with it. I believe that sharing my career experiences with others helps them to grow, just as I grow from hearing about theirs.
Full storyMy core values
Respect of each other is critical to our success and it requires hard work to apply consistently. You have to give each other the benefit of the doubt, and balance your beliefs with theirs in order to learn from each other and be successful. If you can provide honest and constructive feedback punctuated with a little humor and respect, you'll have an easier time at achieving great success together.
Full storyI like to get feedback when its given…
Feedback and constructive criticism is a gift. Tell me how I'm doing so I can improve or do more of the good stuff. I promise to return the favor.l
Full storyOutside of work, you'll find me...
If the weather is beautiful, I really enjoy sitting on the patio somewhere having a nice lunch, sipping a tasty cocktail, and visiting with friends and family. Time goes by so quickly and the laughter gets me going for the week to come.
Full storyYou can ask me about
I'm a big travel nut and have been to all 50 states as well as Asia, South America, Europe, Australia and a few others. People will frequently ask me for travel tips, plane pointers, or mile grabs. I once went to lunch in Amsterdam and came home on the next flight, all to requalify for my United Airlines top tier. Points Points Points. I also get asked a lot about personal credit. I had some identity theft years ago that tanked my rating and after I painstakingly cleaned that up and got back to the 800s, I learned that part of it is a game. And as part of that game you can get points... and I like points. Ask me about a sign up bonus and start playing the game.
Full storyWhat's in my dock
My brain still shifts from my Windows days to "what's the equivalent on MacOS?", but you'll find these are my staples. VS Code, XCode are musts but on a typical day these are what you'd find open. I do tend to shun the built-ins like Safari, Mail, and Calendar, only because I much prefer Chrome and a tab for mail and calendar from within that.
Full storyWhat I'm like at work
I am passionate about working hard and helping others to achieve their own best. That requires some thoughtful reflection on how they are approaching their own work and how to best work in their style. Each of us come with a unique set of skills and experiences, and combined together that helps us to achieve great things together. I can always learn something new from you whether you're senior or junior and whether you're a seasoned vet or an early career team mate.
Full storyThings that deeply motivate me…
I love love love to help others and to get things done. A gentle sprinkling of humor into the day can help to motivate us and to keep work being a fun thing instead of a chore - and when it's fun we get more done and are open to learning more from others. So laugh a little while you work. If you're like me, you'll be a little bit more motivated.
Full storyYou will make my freakin day if you…
Like everyone, I love to get praise when I do something well or help you out. But I really have a good day when you can share a problem or idea and we can solve it together.
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