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2021

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

On Missing Opportunities Due to Isolation

Welcome back to another episode of "Continuous Improvement." I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to dive into a topic that many of us can relate to - missed opportunities for leadership.

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to speak up or take the lead, but something held you back? Maybe it was fear of saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to say at all. Today, I want to share a personal story that taught me some valuable lessons about embracing opportunities and becoming a better leader.

It all happened during a leadership training course I recently attended. Our instructor posed a thought-provoking question about how we could improve our community amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The room fell silent for a moment as we pondered the possibilities. However, when it came time to share our thoughts, nobody volunteered.

I, too, found myself avoiding eye contact with the instructor, fearing the judgment or misunderstanding of my ideas. But looking back now, I realize how much I missed out on by not taking the initiative to speak up and lead that moment.

In that moment, I learned some important lessons that I want to share with all of you today. Firstly, I realized the importance of embracing every opportunity that comes our way. We often let fear of failure or rejection hold us back, but what's the worst that could happen? Most daily memories fade, and the chance of someone remembering your words or actions is minimal.

Secondly, I recognized the need to improve my public speaking abilities. To overcome that fear, I decided to join a Toastmasters club. It's uncomfortable at times, but it's better to address a crowd and share valuable insights than to remain silent. By improving my communication skills, I can become a more impactful leader.

Lastly, I learned the importance of taking a deep breath and embracing the spotlight. Rather than stressing about it, I now understand the value of enjoying those moments and making the most of them.

So, how can we apply these lessons in our own lives, especially when it comes to seizing opportunities for leadership?

One way is to be open to various experiences. Step outside your comfort zone. Take risks. Remember, the worst that can happen is a valuable lesson learned.

Another way to embrace leadership opportunities is to improve our public speaking skills. Engaging in activities like joining a Toastmasters club or enrolling in speaking workshops can help build confidence and ensure that we're not held back by the fear of speaking in front of others.

And finally, let's remember to take a deep breath and enjoy those moments when the spotlight is on us. Instead of getting caught up in our fears and insecurities, let's savor the chance to make a positive impact and share our unique perspectives.

As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage all of you to reflect on missed opportunities for leadership in your own lives. What have you learned from those experiences? How can you apply those lessons moving forward?

Remember, continuous improvement is a journey, and embracing each opportunity that comes our way is an important part of that journey. Let's be fearless, let's be confident, and let's lead with courage.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of "Continuous Improvement." I'm Victor, your host. Stay tuned for more inspiring discussions and practical tips on personal and professional growth. Until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

由於孤立錯失機會

在一個領導力培訓課程中，我們的教練提出一個問題，關於我們如何在持續的COVID-19危機中改善我們的社區。建議可以從推廣社交距離到鼓勵戴口罩和經常運動。經過五分鐘的反思沉默後，教練邀請人們分享他們的想法。令人驚訝的是，沒有人自願。我們都避免和他有眼神接觸。最後，他轉移到了對課程的總結，標記了一個我們共同認識到的時刻，那就是儘管我們報名參加了領導力課程，但我們都沒有主動發言或領導。當被問及時，有些人承認他們害怕誤解主題，有些人聲稱他們不知道該說什麼，還有些人承認感到害羞。這是一個展示領導技巧的機會，但我也未能抓住它。

如果我能回到過去，我一定會舉手，準備好我的想法，並發表演講。我應該記住，人們很可能會忘記我的話，我們可能再也不會相遇。大部分的日常記憶都會消逝，我已經忘記了教練教的80%以上的內容，甚至連今天的參加者我都無法認出。這是令人遺憾的，因為我參加這個課程的原意是擴大我的專業網絡。

回顧過去，我學到了幾個教訓。首先，我應該把握每一個來到我面前的機會。每一個機會都帶有固有的風險。例如，一個笑話可能因為文化差異而不會引起他人的笑聲。然而，最壞的情況會是什麼呢？雖然可能會感到不舒服，但不會威脅到生命，並可能提供一個寶貴的教訓。其次，我打算提高我的公共演講能力，這就是我為何要加入演講俱樂部的原因。雖然我覺得在眾人面前演講對我來說不自然，但至少比在我有寶貴見解可以對話題作出貢獻時保持沉默要好。第三，我會提醒自己深呼吸，享受在眾人矚目的時刻，而不是為此感到壓力。

通過對各種經驗的開放，我可以成為一個更好的領導者。我會抓住每一個機會進行有影響力的演講，並在社交上不舒服的情況下表現出個人魅力。

  • 1 min read

How to Download a View-Only Shared Google Drive Video

Last week, I received a Google Drive video that was shared with me in "View-Only" mode. When I tried to further share this video with my team, they encountered "Access Denied" errors when attempting to open the link.

Here are the steps for downloading such a video:

  1. Open Chrome and navigate to the Developer Tools, then select the “Network” tab.
  2. Reload the page where the video is playing and filter the results by “videoplayback” type.
  3. Right-click on this filtered link and choose “Open in New Tab”.
  4. Once the video opens in the new tab, right-click on it and select “Save Video As”.

That's it. No external plugins are required. You can then upload this downloaded video to a shared drive for your team or upload it to YouTube, depending on your use case.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

How to Download a View-Only Shared Google Drive Video

Welcome, welcome, welcome, folks! You're listening to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we strive to bring you the best tips and strategies to enhance your personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we have an exciting topic to discuss: how to download Google Drive videos when you encounter "Access Denied" errors.

But before we dive into the steps, let's take a moment to acknowledge our amazing sponsor who makes this podcast possible: Green Valley Marketing. If you're looking for innovative digital marketing solutions, Green Valley Marketing has got you covered. Visit their website at greenvalleymarketing.com for more information.

Now, let's get back to our topic at hand. Last week, I received a Google Drive video shared with me in "View-Only" mode. The challenge arose when I tried to share this video with my team and they encountered "Access Denied" errors when attempting to open the link. Frustrating, right?

Well, fear not! Today, I'm going to share with you the steps to download such videos without the need for external plugins. Are you ready? Let's get started.

Step one: Open Chrome and navigate to the Developer Tools. To access the Developer Tools, simply right-click anywhere on the webpage and select "Inspect" or press "Ctrl+Shift+I" (Windows) or "Cmd+Option+I" (Mac). Once the Developer Tools panel opens, click on the "Network" tab.

Step two: Now, reload the page where the video is playing and you should see a list of network requests appearing in the Developer Tools panel. To easily find the video link, filter the results by typing "videoplayback" in the search bar.

Step three: Once you've located the filtered link, right-click on it and select "Open in New Tab." This will open the video in a new tab.

Step four: Lastly, right-click on the video in the new tab and select "Save Video As." Choose a location on your computer to save the video, and voila! You have successfully downloaded the Google Drive video.

Now that you have the downloaded video, you can easily share it with your team by uploading it to a shared drive or even uploading it to YouTube, depending on your use case. Remember, sharing is caring!

Well, folks, there you have it - a simple and effective way to download Google Drive videos when faced with "Access Denied" errors. It's all about continuous improvement, finding solutions to everyday challenges, and making our lives easier.

Before we conclude, I want to remind you to check out our amazing sponsor, Green Valley Marketing, at greenvalleymarketing.com. They offer innovative digital marketing solutions that can truly transform your business.

Thank you for tuning in to "Continuous Improvement." I'm your host, Victor, and until next time, keep striving for excellence, keep learning, and keep improving!

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

如何下載僅供檢視的Google Drive共享視頻

上週，我收到了一個以「僅供檢視」模式分享的Google Drive視頻。當我試圖將此視頻進一步分享給我的團隊時，他們在嘗試打開鏈接時遇到了「拒絕訪問」的錯誤。

以下是下載這類視頻的步驟：

  1. 打開Chrome並導航到開發者工具，然後選擇「Network」標籤。
  2. 刷新播放視頻的頁面，並按「videoplayback」類型篩選結果。
  3. 在此篩選鏈結上點擊右鍵，然後選擇「Open in New Tab」。
  4. 視頻在新標籤頁中打開後，右鍵點擊它，然後選擇「Save Video As」。

就是這樣。您再也不需要外部插件。然後您可以將這個下載的視頻上傳到您的團隊的共享驅動器，或者上傳到YouTube，視您的使用情況而定。

  • 3 min read

Effective Leadership in a Technical Role

As a software engineer, you may eventually advance to a leadership position. However, you'll soon discover that technical expertise alone is insufficient for success in the tech industry. You'll also have to manage a variety of issues and crises on a daily basis. The bad news is, you might not initially possess the management qualities needed to lead a team effectively. The good news is, with an open mind and continuous learning, you can develop these skills over time.

First and foremost, you need to understand fundamental leadership principles. As a junior member, your focus is primarily on completing assigned tasks. As you rise through the ranks, you're expected to handle greater responsibilities, participate in cross-functional team activities, take on project management duties, and consider overarching corporate strategies. What does the title "Director" signify? It means providing direction, knowing your destination, and guiding others towards it. Therefore, my advice is to stay curious. Try to understand your company's decision-making processes and always be open to learning and asking questions.

Being a leader doesn't necessarily mean being overbearing or extremely extroverted. Research shows that there are six different leadership styles, each suitable for different situations. These include:

  1. Coercive Leadership – Effective during crises.
  2. Authoritative Leadership – Inspires others through vision.
  3. Affiliative Leadership – Focuses on team unity.
  4. Democratic Leadership – Builds consensus.
  5. Coaching Leadership – Aims for individual growth.
  6. Pacesetting Leadership – Sets performance standards.

Understanding your leadership style can help you adapt to various scenarios. There's no one-size-fits-all approach; you'll need to adjust your style to suit the team at different stages.

To be an effective leader, you must know both yourself and your team members. Each member will have their own strengths and weaknesses, and your role is to guide the team towards achieving its goals. This involves setting objectives, building a cohesive team, communicating clearly, and collaborating with stakeholders. Fairness is crucial when resolving internal conflicts. Recognize and reward positive contributions, while addressing any negative impacts on the team. Above all, lead by example. Your actions speak louder than your words, making you a role model for others to follow.

Managing a team requires both competence and emotional intelligence. You need to understand each member's unique needs and address the varying work styles, relationships, and conflicts within the group. Your communication should be formal and respectful, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.

To thrive as a tech industry leader, you not only need technical skills but also the ability to envision the future, show determination, display integrity and commitment, exude confidence, and communicate effectively. Additionally, you should demonstrate creativity, inspire your team, foster collaboration, and be authentic.

I hope you find this article helpful in developing the self-awareness required to become an effective leader. At some point, you'll need to step up, particularly when urgent issues arise. You don't have to wait for permission from higher-ups, who may not be best suited to handle the situation. Be proactive in seeking the resources you need. Remember, people are often too focused on their own responsibilities to pay attention to your needs. Given the global leadership shortage, I encourage you to take the initiative and address the pressing challenges we all face.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

Effective Leadership in a Technical Role

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we discuss strategies, tips, and insights to help you excel as a leader in the tech industry. I'm your host, Victor, a seasoned software engineer turned leader, and in today's episode, we'll be diving into a topic that is essential for anyone looking to transition into a leadership role – "Developing Leadership Skills in the Tech Industry."

As a software engineer, you are accustomed to focusing on completing tasks and ensuring technical excellence. But as you progress in your career, you'll realize that technical expertise alone is not enough to succeed in the tech industry. You'll need to navigate through a variety of issues and crises on a daily basis. The good news is, with an open mind and continuous learning, you can develop the skills required to lead a team effectively.

To begin with, it's crucial to understand the fundamental principles of leadership. As you climb the ladder, your responsibilities will shift from completing tasks to providing direction, guiding others, and considering overarching corporate strategies. That's what the title "Director" signifies – someone who knows the destination and leads the team towards it. So, my advice is to stay curious, learn about your company's decision-making processes, and always be open to asking questions and seeking knowledge.

Leadership doesn't always mean being overbearing or extremely extroverted. In fact, there are six different leadership styles that cater to different situations. Let's take a quick look at them:

  1. Coercive Leadership, effective during crises.
  2. Authoritative Leadership, inspiring others through vision.
  3. Affiliative Leadership, focusing on team unity.
  4. Democratic Leadership, building consensus.
  5. Coaching Leadership, aiming for individual growth.
  6. Pacesetting Leadership, setting performance standards.

It's important to understand your own leadership style and adapt it to suit different scenarios and team dynamics. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your style may need to change as the team progresses and faces various challenges.

To be an effective leader, you must know both yourself and your team members. Each individual has unique strengths and weaknesses, and it's your role to guide the team towards achieving its goals. This involves setting objectives, fostering teamwork, communicating clearly, and collaborating with stakeholders. Fairness is crucial when resolving conflicts within the team. Recognize and reward positive contributions while addressing any negative impacts. And above all, lead by example – your actions speak louder than words, making you a role model for the team.

Managing a team requires not only competence but also emotional intelligence. Understanding each team member's needs, work styles, relationships, and conflicts is essential. Formal and respectful communication fosters an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.

Thriving as a leader in the tech industry requires more than just technical skills. It involves envisioning the future, showing determination, displaying integrity and commitment, exuding confidence, and communicating effectively. Additionally, you should demonstrate creativity, inspire your team, foster collaboration, and be authentic in your leadership approach.

I hope you find the insights and strategies discussed in this episode helpful as you develop the self-awareness required to become an effective leader. Remember, you don't have to wait for permission to step up – take the initiative when urgent issues arise. Be proactive in seeking the resources you need because, in a world with a shortage of effective leaders, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Thank you for joining me today on "Continuous Improvement." If you found value in this episode, be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful discussions on leadership in the tech industry. Until next time, keep improving and leading with confidence!

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

在技術角色中的有效領導力

作為一名軟件工程師，你可能最終會提升到領導職位。然而，你很快就會發現，僅憑技術專業知識並不足以在科技行業取得成功。您還必須每天管理各種問題和危機。壞消息是，你最初可能並不具備有效領導團隊所需的管理質素。好消息是，擁有開放的思維和持續學習，你可以隨著時間的推移發展這些技能。

首先，你需要理解基本的領導原則。作為一名初級成員，你的重點主要是完成分配的任務。隨著你在職位中的提升，你需要承擔更大的責任，參與跨功能團隊活動，接手項目管理職責，並考慮公司的整體策略。"主管"這個頭銜是什麼意思？這意味著提供方向，知道您的目的地，並引導他人前往。因此，我的建議是保持好奇心。嘗試理解您公司的決策過程，並始終對學習和提問保持開放的態度。

成為一名領導者並不一定意味著要強勢或極度外向。研究顯示，有六種不同的領導風格，每種風格適合不同的情況。這些包括：

  1. 強制型領導 - 在危機中有效。
  2. 權威型領導 - 通過願景激勵他人。
  3. 附屬型領導 - 著重團隊團結。
  4. 民主型領導 - 建立共識。
  5. 教練型領導 - 致力於個人成長。
  6. 節奏型領導 - 設定績效標準。

理解你的領導風格可以幫助你適應各種場景。沒有一種通用的解決方案；您需要根據團隊在不同階段的需求調整您的風格。

要成為一個有效的領導者，你必須了解自己和你的團隊成員。每個成員都有他們自己的優點和弱點，你的角色是指導團隊實現其目標。這涉及到設定目標，建立一個團結的團隊，清晰地溝通，並與利益相關者協作。在解決內部衝突時，公正至關重要。認可和獎勵積極的貢獻，同時解決任何對團隊產生負面影響的問題。首先，通過身教來領導。你的行動比你的話語更響亮，使你成為他人的榜樣。

管理一個團隊需要能力和情商。您需要理解每個成員的獨特需要並處理團隊內各種工作風格、關係和衝突。你的溝通應該是正式和尊重的，樹立起互相尊重和合作的環境。

要成為科技行業的領導者，您不僅需要技術技能，還需要有看到未來的能力，展現決心，展示誠信和承諾，散發自信，並能有效地溝通。除此之外，您應該展現創造力，激勵您的團隊，促進合作，並保持真實。

我希望您會發現本文對於發展成為一個有效領導者所需的自我覺察能力有所幫助。在某些時候，你需要挺身而出，特別是當緊急問題出現時。你不必等待上級的許可，他們可能並不最適合處理這種情況。主動尋求你需要的資源。記住，人們常常過於聚焦於他們自己的責任而忽視了你的需求。鑑於全球領導力的短缺，我鼓勵你主動出擊，應對我們所有人所面對的迫切挑戰。

  • 3 min read

The Importance of Communication as a Software Developer

Let me explain why software developers need to be good communicators. Although it may seem self-evident, this skill will significantly impact your career. I say this from personal experience, having learned the hard way. As a team leader, your communication skills are essential during job interviews, progress reviews, and appraisals. You don't want to place yourself at a competitive disadvantage. There are numerous situations where good communication skills are critical, including:

How to Conduct a Good Demo: When designing and building a product, you must regularly demonstrate completed work to your team and key stakeholders. In Agile software development, sprint demos are integral to every iteration. Regardless of the product you’re building—be it an app, a website, or even a physical item—well-executed demos improve cross-team collaboration, build trust with stakeholders, boost team morale, and allow the team to adapt based on feedback and change. This is true even for more challenging subjects like APIs and back-end services.

Working in Cross-Functional Teams: We help organizations build products and services that meet the rapidly changing demands of their industries. Regular product demos are essential for our cross-functional teams, client product owners, engineers, and designers to communicate effectively, celebrate progress, and deliver value quickly.

In this chapter, I've gathered insights on why demos are important, along with tips for running great ones.

Demos Help Us Build Better Products: Regular demos provide a short feedback loop, allowing teams to adjust quickly and ensure they're building the right product. They also surface dependencies or duplicate efforts early, highlighting opportunities for collaboration across broader programs.

Improving Team Morale: We run a bi-weekly team demo on my current project. These sessions often lead to cross-team discussions about previously unconsidered issues, enabling quick resolutions before they become blockers.

Feedback Is Essential: Don't hesitate to refine your demo format based on feedback, ensuring maximum benefit for both your team and stakeholders.

Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships: Demos help in engaging stakeholders in the development process, thereby building trust and showcasing incremental delivery of valuable working software.

Team Development: Demos allow team members to develop presentation skills and interact more closely with stakeholders. They offer a rare chance for developers, especially those in early career stages, to hone their presentation skills.

Some Tips for Running Great Product Demos:

  • Zoom Out: Always provide context. Make sure to set the scene and focus on user benefits.
  • Tell a Story: Keep the audience engaged by sharing challenges you've overcome and what you've learned.
  • Go Slow, Keep It Simple: Present at a pace that the audience can follow and avoid jargon.
  • Preparation Is Key: Always rehearse and have your demo set up in advance to maintain audience engagement.

In summary, good communication is vital. Engage in meaningful conversations and share valuable perspectives. Maintain a positive attitude to build confidence, especially if you're introverted.

For public speaking, imagine you're talking to a friend. Be genuine and listen to your audience. Remember, how you say something is often more memorable than what you say. Speak slowly, especially if English is not your first language. These tips have worked for me, and I hope they will for you too. Next time, speak with intention, slow down, and breathe. Let me know what you think, and perhaps we can collaborate now that you understand the importance of communication better.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

The Importance of Communication as a Software Developer

Hello everyone, and welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast that's all about personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to dive into a topic that may seem obvious but is often underestimated—why software developers need to be good communicators.

As a team leader in the software development industry, I've learned firsthand the impact that communication skills can have on one's career. It's not just about writing code or solving technical challenges; being able to effectively communicate ideas, progress, and feedback is crucial in our field.

One area where good communication skills are essential is in conducting a good demo. Regardless of what you're building—a website, an app, or even a physical product—a well-executed demo can improve cross-team collaboration, build trust with stakeholders, and boost team morale. It's a chance to showcase your work and gather valuable feedback.

Working in cross-functional teams is another situation where strong communication skills are critical. Collaboration between engineers, designers, and client product owners is essential for delivering value quickly and meeting the demands of our dynamic industries.

So, how can we improve our communication skills when it comes to demos and working in teams? Let's explore some tips from the blog post.

One of the key takeaways is the importance of providing context during a demo. Zooming out and setting the scene helps the audience understand the user benefits and the purpose behind the product or feature you're presenting.

Another valuable tip is to tell a story during your demo. Sharing the challenges you've overcome and the lessons you've learned keeps the audience engaged and shows your problem-solving abilities.

Speaking at a pace that the audience can follow and avoiding jargon is crucial. Going slow and keeping it simple ensures that everyone understands what you're presenting, regardless of their technical background.

Preparation is also key. Rehearse your demo and have everything set up in advance to maintain audience engagement and avoid any technical hiccups.

Beyond just the technical aspects, good communication skills during demos and in cross-functional teams can lead to multiple benefits. They help build better products through quick feedback loops, improve team morale by encouraging discussions and resolutions, and strengthen stakeholder relationships by engaging them in the development process.

Lastly, developing your presentation skills and interacting more closely with stakeholders are additional advantages of regularly conducting demos. It's an opportunity for personal growth and honing your abilities, especially for those in the early stages of their careers.

Remember, good communication is not just about public speaking or demos; it's about engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing valuable perspectives, and building positive relationships with others.

I hope the insights from today's episode have highlighted the importance of communication in our field and provided you with some valuable tips for improving your own skills. Speak with intention, slow down, and breathe. I'm sure you'll see the positive impact it can have on your career.

That wraps up this episode of "Continuous Improvement." Thank you for joining me today. If you have any thoughts or questions, I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out to me through our podcast website. Until next time, keep striving for improvement in all that you do.