By Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 15, 2023
Dive into the world of personal responsibility and team success in software development by distinguishing between reasons and excuses. Explore the vital role of accountability, examine real-world examples, and uncover five effective strategies designed to help you and your team conquer excuses and take command of your professional journey. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 14, 2023
Looking to boost your productivity and organization? Let's exploree three popular approaches - the Scrum Daily Scrum, Classroom Morning Meeting, and Getting Things Done's Daily Review - and how they can help you stay on top of your tasks and responsibilities. By emphasizing daily reflection and planning, collaboration and communication, and backed by science, these daily habits can help individuals increase their effectiveness and productivity. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 13, 2023
Product managers need to be proficient in three key areas: technical skills, data analysis, and empathy for customers. Neglecting any one of these areas can lead to difficulties in successfully managing a product. However, a well-rounded product manager who excels in all three areas can drive success by delivering innovative products that meet customer needs, are technically sound, and supported by data-driven decision-making. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 12, 2023
Achieving greatness in life requires sacrifice, and the science behind it is rooted in the concept of deliberate practice. Research shows that deliberate practice, which involves setting goals, getting feedback, and pushing oneself out of the comfort zone, is the key to achieving greatness in any field. Famous figures like Michael Jordan and Steve Jobs have sacrificed their personal lives to achieve greatness. Focusing on balance may lead to mediocrity, but by engaging in deliberate practice, individuals can achieve a level of greatness that is unattainable through balance alone. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 28, 2023
What does it take to become truly great? Is it talent, hard work, or something else entirely? Let's look at the stories of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two basketball legends who achieved greatness in their own unique ways. Let's explore the mindset and practices that allowed them to unlock their potential and reach the top of their game. Whether you're a sports fan or just looking for inspiration to achieve greatness in your own life, hare are valuable lessons and actionable tips to help you get there. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 26, 2023
Are you struggling to find time for innovation amidst a busy schedule? Here is my strategy for overcoming this challenge without compromising productivity. By scheduling intentional thinking time, capturing thoughts in a system, and creating a path of execution, I have been able to generate and act on great ideas. Here are my daily and weekly routines, purposeful intent, and the tools I use to capture and process my ideas. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or busy professional, this approach can help you find time for innovation and stay ahead of the game. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 9, 2023
Discover the dynamic duo that led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in eight years! Learn about the critical roles of the enforcer and nurturer in a team and how they helped Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen create a harmonious and productive team dynamic. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 7, 2023
Unlock the power of your team's knowledge and expertise with Price's Law! This widely accepted mathematical principle states that just a small number of individuals in your organization hold the majority of the knowledge. Learn how to identify key contributors, encourage knowledge sharing, and drive efficiency and growth in your organization by following the steps to apply Price's Law to your team. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 6, 2023
Eminem's lyrics in Lose Yourself inspire and motivate with a powerful message. The song encourages listeners to seize the moment and never let go of their dreams. It reminds us that we only get one shot at life, and we should make the most of it. The lyrics emphasize the importance of losing oneself in the moment and pursuing one's aspirations with determination and unwavering focus. Let Eminem's words be a reminder to never give up on what you truly want, and always strive to achieve your goals. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on December 29, 2022
Fantastical is a calendar application for Mac that allows users to easily manage multiple calendars from different vendors, such as Exchange and Google. It allows users to filter and group calendars and configure them at an account level to automatically show up in the mobile iOS app. It also allows users to easily copy events to appear on multiple calendars in a merged state. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on December 8, 2022
It is important to have a sense of humor. It can help us handle criticism and pressure. Political correctness and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) elements may be suppressing humor in companies and it has a potential impact on individuals within those companies. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on December 8, 2022
Code smells are problems in software development that can be difficult to detect, especially if you are constantly working with the code. To help developers recognize these smells, it is helpful to set a standard for good code by exposing them to examples of clean and well-written code, just as a person's sense of smell can be heightened by exposure to pleasant odors. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on November 3, 2022
Are you ready to push past your limits and unlock your true potential? Dive into the experience of pushing through the pain and mental barriers being able to set a new reality for yourself. Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zones and physical limitations can help you to improve your mental capacity and achieve more than you ever thought possible. But be warned, building this mental toughness isn't easy and requires discipline and support from those around you to call you out on your excuses and help you to distinguish when it's time to push harder and when it's time to rest. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 30, 2022
Are you ready to take accountability for your actions and results? When accountability comes knocking, how do you respond? Will you defend yourself or will you take a step back and think about how you can improve? Dive into the world of KPI's/SLA's and discover the impact accountability can have on your team and the customer experience. Learn how to look through the lens of improvement and integrity in the face of accountability. Join the conversation and discover the power of accountability. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 29, 2022
Are you falling short in your Agile demos? While recording screencasts can have its benefits, it's important to remember the value of live demonstrations and the insights they can provide. Here are some of the pros and cons of both approaches and tips for making the most of your demos. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 29, 2022
Why is your company stuck? Two common patterns I've noticed in consulting for numerous businesses. Insights into the importance of adapting your leadership style to the likelihood of founders needing to step aside might be the path to reaching the next level in your company's development. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on May 6, 2022
Nothing like a heart-pumping mountain run turned into a competition to make you struggle and dig deeper. Finding the determination and building a strategy to come out on top can teach us some valuable lessons about business. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on October 7, 2021
Many successful runners don't follow the normal schedule. They prioritize their running over other aspects of their lives. What sacrifices are necessary for greatness? What are you prioritizing? What are you sacrificing? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 13, 2021
Are you ready to push yourself to the limit? To sacrifice it all for the mission? Navy Seals, professional athletes, and even amateur sports teams all share a common drive for success, but what about software development teams? How can we create that same sense of purpose and drive within our teams? Join us as we explore the challenges and rewards of creating a 'trophy moment' for software developers, and discover how companies can foster a culture of mission-driven success. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 8, 2021
Unlock the power of your mind and push through the pain with Goggins' philosophy. Learn to shut off the voice in your head that says 'stop' and become a master of your will, not your motivation. Whether you're new to running or a seasoned athlete, Goggins' teachings will help you overcome the limits of your brain and reach new heights in your endurance training. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 7, 2021
The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant influence on our behaviors and habits. Our environment and the people within it can have a powerful impact on our actions and choices. Choose wisely. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 7, 2021
Are you struggling to build new skills? The quality of your environment may be holding you back. Discover how to create a supportive and conducive environment that can accelerate your skill acquisition. From identifying your goals and finding a supportive community, to creating a dedicated space and seeking out resources, these tips will help you succeed. Don't let a poor-quality environment stand in the way of your growth and development. Take control and create the environment you need to succeed. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 3, 2021
The relationship between autonomy and performance in various fields needs deeper introspection. While autonomy may allow for creativity, it may not necessarily lead to consistent performance. What is the role of systems and constraints in achieving performance? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 9, 2020
Are you looking to make self-improvements in your life? These 10 questions can help guide your reflection and introspection to better understand your values, strengths, weaknesses, and goals. From identifying what led to your biggest achievements to examining your responses to challenges, these questions can help you better understand yourself and your path towards personal growth. Take a moment to ask yourself these questions and discover what you can learn about yourself and your journey to self-improvement. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on October 15, 2018
Throw out the agile stand up! Some people love Agile. Some people hate Agile. Few people have actually experienced Agile. There is plenty of Cargo Culting of Agile out there. At the end of the day it boils down to having the ability to “inspect and adapt” for survival. Survival requires improvement. Deliberate practice is the most tested way to improve. Deliberate practice requires metrics and measurement of performance of some kind. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 15, 2016
If you are an introvert like me the last thing you want to do is spend time “networking”. Even if you are an extrovert your time is valuable and just mingling isn’t going to cut the mustard if you want to get any kind of meaningful results. So what is the best strategy when attending an event with intention of networking? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 24, 2015
I struggle with what level of disclosure to give in public forums, because vulnerability is a hard. I don’t care for writing and know a path to getting better at something is to do a lot of it. At least that is the excuse I hide behind when it comes to sharing more freely. A while back during a long period of seeking self awareness it became apparent that I didn’t really believe in myself very much. Other people believe in me. I believe I am able to get results, but I haven’t been able to really believe in me. I was smacked in the face on this topic looking in the mirror and seeing myself over 250 pounds and utterly out of shape and control. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 7, 2015
Dealing with trolls is an art form. Being on the internet requires you master it. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 7, 2015
MailChimp knocked it out of the park with stunning Christmas gift. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 2, 2015
The Decider Protocol is the fastest path to get immediate and unanimous team decisions. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 31, 2014
El Pollo Loco customer experience that translates to life principles. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 4, 2013
Dealing with hybrid work environments where some one is remote full time. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 3, 2013
I see a lot of new teams search endlessly for the best process for to use. They tend to ask what is best for us? Which usually devolves into Scrum vs Kanban. I am firm believer in experiencing them to understand, but one could argue you have to start somewhere. For those seeking here is a very brief quick side by side view. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 27, 2013
Using metaphors to describe being booted with the Core Protocols. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 22, 2013
Six ways to improve your scrum planning meeting. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 10, 2013
What does exceptional service at 10,000ft look like? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 27, 2013
How to estimate everyday things. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 27, 2013
Quick tutorial on how to run a lean coffee. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 16, 2013
The future we want has to be created by us. Creating the Arizona we want. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 12, 2013
The future we want has to be created by us. Creating the Arizona we want. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 10, 2013
Scrum burndown using a pipe cleaner. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 13, 2013
AZ Art Project Influx AZ coming to Chandler, AZ. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on December 12, 2012
Looking to build your connectivity on Linked In? Increase your followers on Twitter or Friends on Facebook? Chances are you already communicate with a lot of people via e-mail, but you haven’t taken the time to connect with them elsewhere. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on December 11, 2012
Open Spaces always tend to amaze me. They really are the right people in the right place at the right time. When we kicked off Agile Open Southwest, I was a little bit nervous about what might come out. As always, I was left absolutely amazed. It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Finding everyone was a different place on their journey yet still able to be find common ground and learn from one another. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on December 5, 2012
If you read a lot of digital content, you should share a lot. The problem is that you probably read in spurts. If you shared in spurts, you would probably annoy your friends. Buffer helps fix that problem. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on November 30, 2012
If explaining an activity in a retrospective takes more than a minute or two it probably isn’t very effective. Don’t fall into the trap of making things too complex. Activities shouldn’t be complicated they should be fluid. Giving participants too many options and being unclear with instructions makes it difficult to fluid with sharing thoughts. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on November 29, 2012
As a ScrumMaster when you are “running” a retrospective it is easy to fall into the trap of actively participating in it. It is extremely difficult to do this well (if not impossible), because your role should be as a facilitator not a participant. The minute you start participating you are no longer neutral and severely impact your ability to effectively facilitate. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on November 28, 2012
A young man was bitten by a pitbull when he was 10. Ever since then every time he has noticed a pitbull it is barking, snarling and threatening to him. He is now 35. He believes that pitbull’s are a vicious breed and that they should not be family pets. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on November 27, 2012
I am a proponent of pairing (not just for programming). Anytime I introduce it to a new team I get a number of objections. The most prominent is that pairing slows me down (because I am so awesome and everyone else sucks so bad). Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on November 25, 2012
Clay Shirky enlightens us in Cognitive Surplus that, the organization of sharing has many forms and that those forms have varying output values. He gives us a way we can identify four essential points on the spectrum Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on November 5, 2012
Gangplank is a community of creators that fuses family life, civic life, creating and earning a living into this unique blend where anything is possible. The support and tenderness offered is counter balanced by a gruff and forceful exterior making participation daunting to most. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on October 15, 2012
People need to be understood that they matter. We are wired to belong. It doesn’t matter if it is your spouse, child, employee or coworker every relationship you wish to maintain requires your attention. Most people consider attention to be measured in time. Time is in short supply and high demand in our connected and fast paced world. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on October 10, 2012
Names are funny. Tone and inflection can make all the difference. Most people don’t even bother correcting people when their name is said incorrectly. Close enough is good enough. However, sometimes people get their name so wrong they don’t even go by their own name. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on September 19, 2012
Going to cross-functional teams for product delivery is always interesting, but DevOps seems to be particularly loaded in it's meaning. How to tell if your DevOps relationship is failing you? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on January 19, 2012
Be the best parent you can. Prepare your children for the future. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on January 5, 2012
Consumption is rampant. What does is it mean to create? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 25, 2011
I love Arizona. It’s natural resources are one of it’s greatest assets. I have been encouraging people to get out and ExploreAZ. If you didn’t know our State Parks have become seriously under funded and need our help. So how can you help? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 21, 2011
Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 21, 2011
Resilience refers to the ability of a person to effectively cope with and recover from adversity or stress. This concept has been studied in psychology and neuroscience, and various strategies and techniques have been developed to build resilience, such as mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and social support. Building resilience can help individuals better handle life's greatest challenges and maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Here are ten ways to increase your resiliency. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 10, 2011
In Andre Agassi’s Open he shows the authentic and human side of himself. He talks about giving a friend named Frankie the money he needs to put his children through school. He reflects on it in the following way: Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 9, 2011
I generally keep voice memos or written journals around as outlets for my thoughts when I am not regularly able to connect with people to share what is on my mind. I try to purge them into a digital format fairly quickly to prevent clutter. I don’t recall why I recorded this segment, but I ran across it today and it made me smile. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 7, 2011
In a blog post, Mark Turner has responded to the claim that Ruby is just a bunch of tools by stating that it is actually about making developers happy. I believe that the Ruby community is too focused on creating tools and lacks creativity and true innovation. Regional Ruby events have become more about showcasing tools and less about sharing cutting-edge ideas. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 7, 2011
So back in 2009 I talked about starting ExploreAZ tweetups. I did get the RV out one time in 2010 shortly after that post to Catalina State Park outside of Tucson. After putting some money into the RV and getting it operational again considering starting this back up. So I have booked two trips. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 7, 2011
I have always liked Unix because of it’s mentality that lots of small tools chained together could be more than an opaque larger tool. In this instance. I mean Rubyists are a bunch of Tools not of the useful kind. Maybe Zed is right an Rails is a Ghetto. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on August 2, 2011
Governer Jan Brewer announced the new AZ Commerce Authority Board today. It is no surprise that it is full of Land Developers, Sports/Tourism and Manufacturing. All industries that were leaders of the OLD economy. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 26, 2011
Random notes from the Arizona's 96th Town Hall on Building Arizona's Future: Jobs, Innovation & Competitiveness. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 25, 2011
If you are listening. A lot of people are talking about a “new norm”, a “reset” or a “shift”. Largely this discussion is around economics and growing concerns of debt. In reality it is about a lot more than that. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 19, 2011
The benefit about working on a high performing team is that everyone expects excellence. There is always a drive that it could be better. Nail a perfect 10 and then ask how it could be an 11. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 11, 2011
Why do we keep doing 1950 economic development? Capital first, then innovation and then people. Yet, companies wanting to be here say that it’s lack of skilled people that keeps them out. What are we doing to invest in people? Keep and attract the best and brightest? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on July 11, 2011
The basis of the 'Sharing Economy' operates on principles. How are you seeing them applied in the world around you? What can you learn from them? How are you applying them? Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on June 16, 2011
I am a fan of great service. When I see it exemplified I try to share it. For example, QuikTrip does a great job #winning. Another company that has always impressed me is Discount Tire. They always greet me right away. They fix my tires for free when repairable. They give me a free air check when my tires are low. All of this even on tires not purchased from them. WOW! They never give me problems when I need tires rotated or tires replaced under warranty that I did purchase from them. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on June 14, 2011
A woman and her son were entering the Subway as my daughter and I were getting out of the car. My daughter uttered, “Hoochie Mama” under her breath. I chastised her for being inappropriate. Her response to me was, “Well she is.” Granted the woman was probably in her late forties, had on 5 inch heels, booty shorts and next to nothing for a top with her adolescent son in tote. Sadly, my daughter was right. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on March 30, 2011
When talking about Gangplank I always struggle to consider it to have anything to do with coworking. After doing some reading on collaborative learning vs. cooperative learning, I believe I can better articulate the difference between collaborative workspaces and coworking spaces. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on February 3, 2011
Desert Code Camp has opened it’s call for suggestions. This is a great FREE event that brings together technologists of all kinds together at a single location to learn (while feeding them breakfast and lunch) new technologies, improve on existing technology or share your favorite technology. There has been a good dynamic languages track in addition to a strong Microsoft track. There has been a track for kids (Gangplank Jr) and even sessions on sales or running a business. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on January 12, 2011
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council released a report touting that Skysong actually is exceeding expectations and has been underestimated. Citing a $113 million impact which is largely calculated using salaries of people that have worked there over the last five years. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on January 11, 2011
The University of Phoenix announced a 42% decline in enrollment with forecasts that next quarter will see another significant dip. The number one reason cited is a change in rules affecting for-profit-schools that restricts paying admission counselors based on how many students they enroll. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on January 2, 2011
It is no secret, I love books. One of my favorite things to read is autobiographies. I enjoy them because I love to hear the authors reflect back on how they got started. A glimpse of what made them who they became. Continue ReadingBy Derek Neighbors, Published on Published on January 1, 2011
I see a lot of new technology. Not very often am I impressed. Microsoft has a winner on their hands with Kinect. I completely ignored it at launch. Gangplank even had Kinect setup at the Chandler Block Party with tons of kids playing it. It looked stupid to me. The Wii had already won my heart. Continue Reading