Author: Andrew Parker

  • S2E22 – Making Use of the Theory of Constraints

    Show Notes  In this episode of the TTL Podcast, hosts Mon Chaio and Andy delve into the Theory of Constraints, an approach developed by Eliyahu Goldratt. They discuss how this methodology applies to various systems, including technical, people, and cultural systems, emphasizing its importance in software leadership. The hosts explain the core principles of the…

  • S2E19 – Zoom got you down?

    Show Notes  Mon Chaio and Andy explore the concept of Zoom fatigue, investigating its existence, potential causes, and its ramifications for both extroverts and introverts. They delve into personal anecdotes, research findings, and theories such as media naturalness theory to understand the cognitive and somatic exhaustion associated with video conferencing tools. They discuss how Zoom…

  • S2E17 – Exploring the Territory with Douglas Squirrel

    Show Notes  This episode of the TTL podcast features Douglas Squirrel, an expert in making tech teams insanely profitable. The discussion delves into David Snowden’s Cynefin framework and the concept of entangled trios for navigating complex situations by leveraging diverse perspectives. Mon-Chaio, Andy, and Squirrel cover various tactics for tech leadership, including encouraging exploration within…

  • S2E15 – Vacationcast – Holidays and Getting a Different View

    Show Notes A short vacationcast from Andy about taking time away to decompress, find a different view on things, and enjoy the company of others (somtimes) . References: Transcript Andy: Welcome to another episode of the TTL podcast. And this one is a vacation cast. You’ve just got me today and Mon-Chaio is on holiday…

  • S2E14 – Tactics for Remote Work (Remote Work Series – Part 3 of 3)

    Show Notes  This episode marks the third and final part of a series focusing on remote work, where Andy and Mon-Chaio delve into tactics that you can use when working with remote teams. Specific topics include maintaining company values and culture through computer-mediated interactions, the role of rituals and symbols like custom emojis and the…

  • S2E13 – Research on Remote Work (Remote Work Series – Part 2 of 3)

    Show Notes  In this second part of a three-part series of the TTL podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive into what research has to say about remote working. They explore various aspects including the impact of remote work on mental health, performance, synchronous vs. asynchronous communication, and team cohesion. Highlighting a study published in Nature titled…

  • S2E11 – Performance Management, What Is It Good For?

    Show Notes  Have you had performance reviews where you thought, “What is the point of this?”  Mon-Chaio and Andy examine the concepts and implications of performance management systems. They swap experiences and insights on the challenges and inefficacies of performance management practices and cover the inconclusive evidence of their effectiveness. Mon-Chaio raises alternative perspectives on…

  • S2E9 – Do Leaders Have to Be Technical?

    Show Notes  In this episode of the TTL podcast, Andy and Mon-Chaio delve into the importance of technical skills and mindset in leadership roles, particularly as individuals transition from technical to management positions. Their discussions are anchored by research findings, such as an article hypothesizing technical competence loss in Boeing’s leadership contributing to quality issues,…

  • S2E6 – Resolving the Leader’s Dilemma: Coaching vs. Directing

    Show Notes  In this edition of the TTL podcast, hosts Andy Parker and Mon Chaio Lo bring in their first guest, Ethan Fryer-Ressmeyer, an executive coach from Seattle, Washington. Ethan is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Coach with a background in Fortune 50 Aerospace Engineering Leadership. He helps leaders discover and implement their own,…

  • S2E4 – Method and Madness in Storytelling

    Show Notes  In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy delve into the essential role of storytelling in implementing change and leading an organization. They share examples of effective storytelling and reference theories ranging from Aristotle to environmental sciences. While facts are important, emotional connection, or pathos, is key to persuasive storytelling. They also discuss the dimensions…