Background

The past 2 weeks were a bit busy with inspiring feedback talks and a nice workshop with Andre Häusling. Readings were about cross functional teams, problems with multitasking, human responsibilities, agile architecture and productivity.

Readings Overview

More detailed information

Cross functional team – building a shopping cart

 

Sources: Cross functional team – building a shopping cart (Youtube video)

While investigating what it means to work with a cross functional team I got that hint by Boris Gloger. It really helped me to get the idea. See what amazing results they achieve within 5 days.

What multitasking does to our brains

 

Sources: What multitasking does to our brains (Post by Leo Widrich)

Leo Widrich references on various studies and nicely summarizes why multitasking isn’t really working – although it seams like that for observers. 

“[People who multitask] are not being more productive — they just feel more emotionally satisfied from their work.”

“We were absolutely shocked. We all lost our bets. It turns out multitaskers are terrible at every aspect of multitasking.”

He tries to overcome the habit of multitasking with:

  • The single browser tab habit
  • The evening planning routine (e.g. with the cool and free Todo List)
  • Change work location at least once a day


Amazing animations by RSA Animate

 

Sources: Amazing animations by RSA Animate

I had fun and learned a lot watching these inspiring videos by RSA Animate about:

 


The principles of agile architecture

 

Sources: The principles of agile architecture (Alex Yakyma and Dean Leffingwell)

This article was an enlightening one after I had a nice discussion with my peer Claudio. I think it really describes what to consider for being agile with your architecture.

  1. Design emerges. Architecture is a collaboration.
  2. The bigger the system, the longer the runway
  3. Build the simplest architecture that can possibly work
  4. When in doubt, code, or model it out
  5. They build it, they test it
  6. There is no monopoly on innovation
  7. Implement architectural flow

Universal declaration of human responsibilities

Sources: Universal declaration of human responsibilities (Interaction Council)

“… seeks to bring freedom and responsibility into balance and to promote a move from the freedom of indifference to the freedom of involvement”

“… The basic premise should be to aim at the greatest amount of freedom possible, but also to develop the fullest sense of responsibility that will allow that freedom itself to grow”

A value defining foundation for everyone. For me with a lot of implications on working together.

The science of productivity

Sources: The science of productivity (YouTube)

 
Keys mentioned are:
  • Willpower is not enough (ego depletion)
  • 1st step – GET STARTED
  • Zeigarnik effect – We try to finish a task we already started
  • Deliberate practice (focus on hardest task and slice focus in packets)
  • Disciplined scheduling of breaks and tasks (90′ work – 20′ break)
  • Deadline on a task
  • Use an accountability chart to document your progress (to evaluate work and staying focussed)
  • stop multitasking