Blog category
Leadership
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Reflections as a Mentor
This year, I returned to New Asia College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong as a mentor in the Mentorship Programme. More than a decade has passed since I graduated in 2012, yet walking back onto campus still feels familiar…
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The Personal Qualities That Define Great Leaders
Leadership is never just about knowledge or strategy. It is about character, conviction, and the ability to inspire. Skills may help you solve problems, but it is your personal qualities that determine how far you can go, how…
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Spark Enthusiasm at Work
Enthusiasm is not something we are born with or something that appears out of nowhere. It is something we can build, nurture, and strengthen. It is the fuel that drives us forward, even when the path is difficult and the…
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Reasons to Develop Speaking and Writing Skills
Communication is more than just a way to share information, it is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. The ability to speak and write with power and clarity is not a luxury; it is a life skill that can open…
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Curing Procrastination by Overcoming Inertia
We’ve all been there. A task sits in front of us, growing larger in our minds the longer we avoid it. It’s not the work itself that overwhelms us—it’s the thought of starting. The mountain looks impossible to climb when we’re…
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Internalizing Openness to Change and Building a Lifelong Learning Culture
Technology never sits still, and neither can we. The pace of change is relentless. What worked yesterday might be obsolete tomorrow, and clinging to the comfort of established standards is like building a fortress on sand. In a…
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Bayesian Thinking and Niche Strategies
Life isn’t a multiple-choice exam where one answer is perfectly correct. Yet, many of us live as if it is, constantly hunting for the best option, terrified of making the wrong move, and haunted by the idea that a better…
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How to Build a Success Strategy Based on Your Strengths
We live in a world that constantly tells us to “fix our flaws.” Scroll through any bookstore or social media feed, and you’ll see countless self-improvement guides claiming to hold the key to success. But here’s a truth no one…
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A Birthday Reflection on Leadership and Growth
This week, I turn 35 on July 31st. As I pause to reflect, I feel both grateful and determined. Grateful for the people, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped me. Determined to become a better version of myself in the…
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How to Stay Motivated and Get Things Done
We all have dreams, goals, or even just simple things we wish we had time for. Yet so often, life gets in the way. We tell ourselves we're too busy, too tired, or too late. But the truth is, most of what holds us back isn’t time,…
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Why Technical Talent Struggles in Bureaucratic Systems
In many countries, people believe technology is the key to progress. But in some places, especially where bureaucracy runs deep, technology tends to decline instead of thrive. This is not because there is a lack of talent, but…
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Entrepreneurship with Purpose
Many people believe that change is driven by politicians, officials, or scholars. But some of the most powerful forces in society are small and medium-sized business leaders. These individuals are the quiet backbone of the…
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How to Succeed in Competitive Careers
If you want to succeed in a highly competitive field—like academia, performing arts, business, journalism, or music—talent and passion are just the beginning. What really matters is understanding how your industry actually works.
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Customer First - Why Prioritizing Customer Needs Beats Chasing Resources
In today’s fast-moving world, companies often face a fundamental question: Should we prioritize resources or customers? For many, the answer seems obvious—resources drive innovation, scale, and growth. But in reality, neglecting…
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From Insight to Impact - How Applying What You Read Makes You a Better Leader
Like many aspiring leaders, I once believed that reading business books from cover to cover would somehow make me a better leader. I highlighted key lessons, absorbed powerful insights, and felt a sense of accomplishment just by…
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Globalization in the Post-Trump Era
In the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency, the landscape of globalization has undergone a profound transformation. While the machinery of international trade and cooperation still grinds on, its underlying values and leadership…
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Why People Don’t Change Until They Feel It
When organizations talk about change, they often start with strategy decks, new structures, revised cultures, and updated systems. Leaders gather data, analyze trends, and craft well-reasoned transformation plans. But despite all…
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Embracing Transformation
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, businesses must evolve to stay ahead. There is a profound difference between organizations that focus solely on production or engineering and those that embrace a market- and…
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Leadership, Growth, and the Power of Reflection
Every day, I would take an hour to retreat to my study — a quiet space where I could think, learn, and create. During this time, I would read books, listen to podcast, write down my thoughts in blog, and even look up things I…
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How to Foster Bold Innovation and Cultivate Creativity for Future Success
In today’s fast-paced and hyper-competitive world, innovation is the lifeblood of progress. Companies and individuals alike must continuously push boundaries to stay ahead. The future of innovation lies not just in groundbreaking…
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First Principles - A Foundation for Groundbreaking Thinking
In a world brimming with assumptions, habits, and established norms, how do we carve a path toward true innovation? The answer lies in embracing the concept of first principles—a way of thinking that strips down complexity to…
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Constant Experimentation - The Key to Continuous Innovation
In today’s dynamic and competitive world, continuous innovation is not just a choice—it’s a necessity for survival and success. Without innovation, businesses stagnate, progress grinds to a halt, and competitors race ahead. But…
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Emotional Intelligence, Courage and Service
Leadership is not just a role—it is a calling to inspire, to challenge, and to serve. At its core, true leadership combines emotional intelligence with the courage to ask the tough questions, confront assumptions, and take…
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Mastering Digital Leadership - Lessons on Lean Innovation and Continuous Learning from NUS-ISS
Last week, I completed the final presentation for the Master of Technology in Digital Leadership course at NUS-ISS, marking the end of an incredible two-year journey. This milestone reflects not only academic achievement but also…
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How to Deal with Free Riders in Team Projects - A Guide to Managing Teamwork Challenges
Dealing with free riders in team projects, whether it’s for a Final Year Project (FYP) or a work assignment, can be frustrating and demoralizing for those carrying the weight of the project. Free riders, those who contribute…
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Mastering Long-Term Thinking - How to Build a Resilient and Innovative Organization
In a remote mountain in West Texas, a unique project is taking shape. A clock, known as the 10,000-Year Clock, is being built to last and tick for 10,000 years. Its century hand moves once every 100 years, and its cuckoo emerges…
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Continuous Improvement - A System for Innovation and Progress
Continuous improvement is not a new concept, but in today's fast-paced business environment, it has taken on new dimensions. The increasing availability of technology and data collection methods has revolutionized how teams…
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The Entrepreneurial Spirit - A Journey of Innovation, Mission, and Leadership
Entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it's about driving meaningful change, both for employees and the world at large. Successful entrepreneurs often carry a mission, an ideal that guides them through the…
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Leadership in the Balance - Navigating Execution and Innovation
In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership involves striking a balance between two types of work: execution and innovation. Understanding these distinct modes of operation is essential for leaders aiming to optimize both…
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Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning
In today's competitive landscape of talent acquisition and retention, companies are heavily investing in digital learning platforms designed to offer personalized learning paths and continuous development opportunities for…
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The Soft Skills to Drive Change
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to manage change effectively is more critical than ever. While the technical aspects of change management often take center stage, the "soft side" of change—the human…
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A Leader’s Blueprint for Renewing Motivation and Driving Innovation
In today's fast-paced business environment, even the most experienced teams can fall into a rut, leading to stagnation and declining performance. As a leader, it’s crucial to recognize when your team is in need of revitalization…
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Reflection on Leadership Tension - The Expert vs. The Learner
As a Solution Architect at Thought Machine, I often face a leadership challenge: balancing my established expertise with the need to keep learning. This is especially important given the constantly changing landscape of our…
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First Principle Thinking - A Path to Innovative Problem-Solving
In the realm of problem-solving and innovation, one approach stands out for its ability to strip down complex issues and build solutions from the ground up: first principle thinking. Popularized by thinkers like Aristotle and…
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Beyond Technical Expertise
In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, the mark of a high-caliber talent extends far beyond technical and functional expertise. These individuals possess a well-rounded skill profile that allows them to thrive amidst…
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How to Sell Software Products
Selling software products effectively requires more than just knowledge of the product. It involves understanding the customer’s needs, building genuine relationships, and continuously improving one’s approach. In this blog post,…
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Navigating Challenges and Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, driven by relentless technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, innovation stands as the cornerstone of sustained business growth and societal progress. However, fostering…
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Harnessing the Power of Hypothesis-Driven Problem-Solving in Business
In every aspect of business, problem-solving is a fundamental skill. It's not just about finding solutions; it's about crafting a narrative that connects an issue to its solution through the strategic use of language. This…
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Unlocking the Full Potential of a Cross-Functional Team
In the fast-paced world of modern business, cross-functional teams have become essential for driving innovation and achieving comprehensive results. However, such teams often face challenges related to information and goal…
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Embracing Challenges and Transforming My Career Path
Self-reflection is really helpful for both personal and work growth. When you reflect regularly, you get a better understanding of your actions and decisions. Writing down your thoughts can improve how well you know yourself and…
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A Four-Step Framework for Structured Problem Solving
In the realm of professional problem-solving, structure is king. From consultants to managers, the ability to efficiently solve complex issues is a pivotal skill. To aid this process, I've devised a four-step framework that…
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Centralized TLS Certificate Management with HashiCorp Vault PKI and Cert Manager
In the era of zero-trust security, HTTPS has become a non-negotiable requirement for securing web traffic. It ensures that data transferred between users and websites is encrypted and authenticated, protecting against…
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Understanding IPsec and MACsec - Securing Network Communication
In the ever-evolving landscape of network security, two significant protocols stand out for their robustness and widespread implementation: IPsec and MACsec. Both are vital in securing communication over networks, but they…
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Understanding Equal-cost Multi-path Routing (ECMP)
In the dynamic world of network management, ensuring data packets travel efficiently and reliably from source to destination is paramount. Equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) routing stands out as a powerful strategy in the network…
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Unraveling the Mind - A Deep Dive into Cognitive Biases and How They Shape Our Decisions
Cognitive biases are fascinating and often misunderstood aspects of human psychology. In this blog post, we'll explore what cognitive biases are, why they occur, and some common examples that impact our daily lives.
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How to Lead a Team
Leadership is a critical component in the success of any team, particularly in the dynamic and collaborative environment of software engineering. Leadership is not just about managing tasks but involves a nuanced understanding of…
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How to Work Well on Teams
In the realm of software engineering, success is rarely a solo endeavor. It's a team sport, where collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect play pivotal roles. This blog post delves into the cultural and social aspects of…
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Unlocking the Productivity Equation - A Holistic Approach to Getting More Done
Productivity isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. It's a personal equation that varies with each individual, shaped by different lifestyles, priorities, and goals. But at its core, being productive is really just about…
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A Guide in Developing and Improving Essential Skills
In the modern professional landscape, continuous growth and adaptation are non-negotiable. Essential skills encompass a wide spectrum, from technical acumen to leadership prowess. Given the collective feedback, let's delve into…
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Develop Essential Skills for the Future of Work
I love learning, and I value both informal and formal training. On my spare time, I'm taking a part time master degree at National University of Singapore as well as studying for a few certificates in AWS and kuberenets. Learning…
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Mastering the Go-To-Market Strategy
In today's fast-paced business environment, launching a new product or service is a monumental task. It's not just about creating something of value; it's also about delivering that value to the right audience at the right time.…
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Understanding the Benefits Dependency Network - A Key Tool for Project Management
In the realm of project management, understanding how different pieces of a project come together to deliver business value is paramount. The Benefits Dependency Network (BDN) is one such framework that helps teams map out these…
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How We Learn? Unveiling Paths for Personal and Organizational Growth
In the ceaseless journey of life, learning stands as the cornerstone of evolution. Whether as individuals or organizations, the process of learning shapes our growth, innovation, and adaptation to an ever-changing world. But what…
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Unveiling Value Creation in Consumption - Rethinking Disruption in Traditional Sectors
In today's interconnected world, the concept of value has taken on a whole new meaning, especially in the realm of consumption. While the digital age has transformed numerous industries, some sectors like healthcare and education…
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Fostering a Culture of Ownership and Collaboration - Empowering Teams to Find Solutions
In any organization, concerns about team members raising potential problems and becoming solely responsible for finding solutions can lead to a culture of dependency and hinder growth. Conversely, it is essential to encourage…
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Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking - Unleash Your Inner Orator
One of my team member got a fear, which is the fear of public speaking. It impacts her work performance and impression from the senior management. I have been thinking how to help her to overcome it. Public speaking consistently…
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Learn the Art of Effective Communication - Talking to Your Boss without Being a Problem
In today's professional world, effective communication is a vital skill that can make or break your career. When it comes to discussing problems or proposing solutions with your boss, it's crucial to approach the conversation in…
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The Marshmallow Challenge - Unveiling Lessons in Teamwork, Creativity, and Innovation
In the realm of team-building exercises, the Marshmallow Challenge has emerged as a popular activity that offers valuable lessons on teamwork, creativity, and innovation. This seemingly simple exercise, which involves building…
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Checklist for Software Upgrades in Production Environments
Software upgrades are an essential part of maintaining up-to-date and bug-free production environments. However, executing an upgrade can be a complex and challenging task that necessitates careful planning. This blog post offers…
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Start With Why - Book Review
To me, "Start with Why" suggests that when a new request comes in, it's essential to begin by asking for the reason behind it. Instead of focusing solely on the "what" or "how" of a task, I should consider why I am undertaking it…
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DBS Case Study
DBS is fighting to stay relevant in the second phase of its future-ready digital transformation. As an established incumbent, the bank faces challenges from emerging fintech companies. In order to adapt to the significant changes…
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The Ongoing Revolution in Technology and Its Impact on Work
Today, while attending a class for my Master's in Technology in Digital Leadership at the National University of Singapore (NUS), my professor offered a prediction about technology's landscape a decade from now. This prompted me…
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Reflecting on My Family
In this post, I want to discuss the most important people in my life and explore how their legacies have impacted and influenced me.
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My Career Story
I've been interested in technology since university, where I took an elective in Java programming. I fell in love with the subject and knew I wanted to make it my career. After earning a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, I worked…
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My Operating Manual as a Manager
I recently completed an online course on becoming a Complete Manager. One valuable lesson was the importance of creating an operating manual explicitly designed to help others understand the best ways to work with me. The manual…
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Positioning for Technology Consultancy
Positioning involves applying a systematic, repeatable process to identify the unique attributes of my service, differentiate it from competitors, and articulate this positioning into an effective sales pitch. In this post, I aim…
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Product Engagement Strategy
I recently took a class on the Psychology of Engagement, where I learned the methodologies and vocabulary needed to create highly engaging products. I am applying these concepts to a product of my choosing.
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Continuous Improvement
Thank you for taking the time to read my book and journey through my life experiences with me. You likely have your own set of challenges and obstacles. That’s why you sought out my book—to understand how I’ve managed to navigate…
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My Time as an Undergraduate Student
I studied chemistry for three years and earned a bachelor's degree. The greatest conflict I faced was between ideals and reality. In an ideal world, I could devote all my time to scientific research. I became fascinated with…
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The Importance of Public Speaking
What is your greatest phobia? For some, it's a fear of dogs or spiders, but many of us are terrified of public speaking. The concern about being judged or ridiculed is constant. Recognizing its importance, I have enrolled in a…
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How to Tell Your Colleague About a Body Odor Issue
One of the most challenging conversations involves informing a coworker that his body odor is affecting the entire department. I, along with several of my coworkers, have been enduring this issue, but someone has to address it,…
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Working Effectively with Others in Teams
Today, I received my first vaccine dose. As a foreigner in Singapore, I am grateful for the opportunity to get vaccinated without any hassle. I'm especially thankful for the efficacy of Singapore's healthcare system.
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Leadership Styles
What prompted you to leave your job? One of the most common reasons for resigning is dissatisfaction with one's supervisor. This led me to become interested in the study of leadership.
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Becoming a Better Leader
Becoming a better leader is critical for success. Leadership isn't just about money, strategy, or technology; teamwork remains the ultimate competitive advantage. With effective leadership, we can align our organization and…
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The Ideal Future
I aspire to be an exceptional leader in my ideal future. Serving the community not only brings immense fulfillment but also requires ongoing learning to navigate a demanding environment.
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On My Future Career in Management
My future professional path lies in management. Over the next six months, I aspire to become an effective manager—one who looks after the team, offers support, and takes responsibility for outcomes.
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On Having Too Little to Say
I volunteered to take the stage at a Toastmasters meeting at the Sheraton Tower to challenge myself in impromptu speaking. The Table Topics Master randomly chose a topic for me, giving me two minutes to discuss it. This form of…
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On Feeling Uncomfortable Around Others
Have you ever felt uneasy speaking in front of a group of people? I certainly have. This fear is common; nearly everyone experiences stage fright to some extent. My own apprehension became clear to me when I had to give a speech…
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On Being More Socially Skilled
We can use our social skills to build connections, influence decisions, and inspire change. However, during a recent class, social anxiety held me back. When the speaker asked for volunteers to ask questions or share their…
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Overcoming Silence -How to Engage with Strangers Effectively
I often find it difficult to speak up when I'm in the presence of strangers. During company meetings involving senior management and various stakeholders, many of my colleagues join the virtual call. At the end of these meetings,…
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On Missing Opportunities Due to Isolation
During a leadership training course, our instructor posed a question about how we could improve our community in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Suggestions could range from promoting social distancing to encouraging…
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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…
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How to Work with a Product Manager as a Software Engineer
As a software engineer, I know how it feels to work with product managers. With years of experience, I've encountered fantastic Product Managers (PMs) as well as some less-than-ideal ones. Every day, I collaborate with PMs, and I…
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Managing Your Boss
In traditional top-down organizations, managing your boss involves a conscious effort to collaborate with upper-level management for mutually beneficial outcomes. Effective managers allocate time and resources to managing not…
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Leadership That Gets Results
Research indicates that six distinct leadership styles have a direct impact on the work environment and financial performance, particularly in terms of revenue growth and profitability. These styles are coercive, authoritative,…
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Dealing with Problem People - How to Motivate Your Team Effectively
The only way to get people to follow your lead is to inspire them to motivate themselves. One of the most common mistakes managers make when trying to motivate challenging employees is relying on logical arguments and sales…
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Transform Yourself into the Leader Others Want to Follow - Learning Charisma
Charisma is a skill that can be learned, even if not everyone is a natural-born charismatic leader. By understanding the principles of charisma, we can incorporate its magical qualities into our lives. We can cultivate deep trust…
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Evidence-Based Management
Life is a series of choices. Managers are frequently faced with making decisions that range from everyday business operations to pivotal choices about a company's future direction. The ability to make informed decisions is…
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