Author Archives: Big_GH

About Big_GH

Currently employed as a Software Development Consultant with over 30 years experience with computing. Started writing BASIC programs on the Commodore VIC 20, C64 and Amiga before switching to C and C++. Now spends more time helping others with their software and looking after the "bigger picture".

We’re All in Sales

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Big_GH

It is often said that everyone who works at a company is in sales, and there is some truth in that.  Every time you interact with someone outside of your company you represent your company.  You are being evaluated, and … Continue reading →

Posted in agile, costs, information, listening, motivation, peopleware, process, Project Management, software development | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Twilight Hour

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Big_GH

I never consciously knew this existed until recently, but now I’m aware of it I see it all the time.  The actual time of the Twilight Hour varies from organization to organization, from team to team and even from day … Continue reading →

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Applying for Jobs and the Agile Job Search

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Big_GH

I’ve written before about how I approach recruitment and I’ve even given a talk on it, but recently I’ve been on the other side looking for my next role. There are some parts of my own recruitment process I will definitely … Continue reading →

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Tribal Leadership

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Big_GH

One of my favourite books of 2013 was Tribal Leadership: I’m not going to go into the details here as there are plenty of better places to get that information.  Buy the book, check out this TED video or listen to the … Continue reading →

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Kanban with kids

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Big_GH

I recently had a day at home with my kids and we decided (well I decided) that we’d try a new game.  I explained the rules: “Today we are going to get lots of jobs done, but before we do … Continue reading →

Posted in agile, estimates, kanban, planning, Project Management, software development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Who Said the Software’s Late?

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Big_GH

We are always hearing about software projects being late.  My current experience tells me that my own software team will deliver their software later than planned. So why is that?  Let’s firstly get the assumption that the team is somehow … Continue reading →

Posted in agile, costs, estimates, information, planning, process, Project Management, software development | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Agile Manifesto

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Big_GH

The Manifesto for Agile Software Development is a really powerful piece of work and something I really relate to. Not only have some of the finest minds in the business been part of its creation, thousands of others have found that … Continue reading →

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Geekup – Language Showcase

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Big_GH

I was recently given the opportunity to be curator for the Nottingham Geekup community.  As a regular attendee for several years and previous speaker, I thought this was a great opportunity to give something back. As curator, it was my … Continue reading →

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When People Leave

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Big_GH

I’ve talked a lot about recruitment and hiring people in the first place, but what about when people leave? How you deal with people when they leave, and in particular during their notice period, can have a big impact on … Continue reading →

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Building Roads

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Big_GH

We are often told when managing software projects that things should be more predictable, more repeatable and that our projects are less in control than others.  As we saw previously, I’m not convinced. I’ve been watching with interest over the … Continue reading →

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