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How to Meet about Design Projects

I came across this article, that will benefit every business (Not just for Web Development).
It covers working Effectively in a meeting.

Problems Faced in Meetings:
Meetings become idea sessions, and the group cannot stay focused to accomplish a task.
Meetings are held, when they are not needed, which uses valuable time.

Link:
http://humanresources.about.com/od/meetingmanagement/a/meetings_work.htm

Here are some of the Highlights:

  • Actions before the meeting establish the groundwork for accomplishing meeting results.
  • Effective meetings that produce results, begin with meeting planning.
  • Once you’ve developed your meeting plan, ensure that a meeting is the appropriate vehicle for accomplishing the set goals.
  • If a meeting is the appropriate means to accomplish your goals, check with the participants who must attend for the meeting to succeed.
  • t. You can make meetings most productive and ensure results by providing necessary pre-work in advance of the actual meeting.

Summary:
When it comes to web design projects especially, everyone has an opinion. But peoples opinion, is just an opinion, it is often NOT based on data. If you do not have data, work together, and stay focused on an indivual element, until a conclusion is drawn.

Viewpoint: Beware of Power

Many developers seem to want a measure of power. What do I mean? For them, it comes in the form of being looked up to for their skill, and ability. We all want to be recognized for our skills, as web developers. Developers put many hours into sharpening their skills with side projects and immense amounts of reading.

Many seek to market themselves as good candidates for managers, or some other position, hoping to gain a measure of power. These ones think that skills alone, merit more power or authority. However, few realize the responsibility that comes with authority or responsibility in a company. They just think about how they would be able tell people what to do, or able to sit and meetings, and bestow upon everyone their insight.

Advancement in your career is important, but considering your path, and your final destination is vital. We must all take a good look at ourselves, and decide what will be best for us in the long run. And also consider if what you want, has the right motives behind it.

It might take a little while to figure this out. Some developers go back and forth in different positions, only to learn that they love programming, and they don’t want to deal with the hassles of being a manager.

Theres No I in Team

Yes. Pretty corny I know. But the bottom line is, if you are developing for a company, you better be able to work as a team member.

You developers that are independent, your good, develop what ever bad personality traits you want.

But, for all those working for the man, make your work life easier, and more satisfying. Stop thinking solely of yourself. Stop thinking about what you want, and were you want to be. Don’t forget about it, just stop thinking about it all the time.

There is no better feeling than getting a bonus, raise, or promotion that you DID NOT expect. Much better than when you have been throwing your co workers under the bus, complaining about the middle management, and sucking up to the boss.

Remember, if you have a good boss, he/she can see right thru your crap.

What if there is a team member you have a problem with?
Perhaps you have an opportunity to express your feelings on why you have a problem with this person, in an HR meeting or something. Do you let it rip? Show the boss how honest and open you are?
HaHa…No. You are just revealing your true colors. Especially if this person is maybe of middle management, or your boss.

Why would anyone tell their boss…what they don’t like about him to his face?
A person that has been blinded by thinking of only themselves…that’s who.

When your team member wrongs you. Examine yourself:
Are you overreacting?
Do you honestly think this person is out to damage your position in the company?
Are their any of your personality traits that could perhaps be contributing to your feelings.
Do you know of anyone else that feels the same about this person?
What are ALL the Emotions you have when you think of this person?

To conclude this poorly organized article, always consider how your actions effect other people.
Remember that if you are selfish, holding grudges, and thinking of your own self, you could really hurt someone, which hurts the team, the company, your credibility, and ultimately your job.