It’s been a while…

It’s been a while since I posted anything - will start posting again soon..

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
―Victor Frankl
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Steve Jobs (via minimalmac)
“Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.”
The Shaker Design Philosophy (via minimalmac)

Linux tip - Monitor a file’s size

watch -n60 du /var/log/messages
Monitor a file’s size | commandlinefu.com

“Remember that there is no code faster than no code.”
Taligent’s Guide to Designing Programs

How to deal with workplace issues

Came across a great article on The Work Buzz about when your boss doesn’t act like a boss. Some insights from that article -

Here are some things to do when your boss relegates a little too much responsibility to you:

* Be nice to your co-workers


If your boss wants you and your co-worker to tackle a problem, try to do it. Bickering back and forth and getting passive aggressive won’t advance the situation. It’ll just escalate tension and eventually you’ll end up running to the boss sounding like a whiny baby because the other person was mean to you.

* Think about office politics (sometimes)


I’m not saying you should get involved in the gritty side of workplace politics, but recognize that seniority, tenure and titles play a role in how (many) companies operate. In some cases, deferring to the senior member of the team shows that you respect their time at the company and that you’re cooperative.

* If you are senior, act senior


Pulling rank can often be annoying and unnecessary, but sometimes the boss looks to the second-in-command to step up and show leadership. Take the opportunity and run with it. Acknowledge that your role might be strange for everyone because you’re not the boss. It will diffuse some of the tension while telling everyone that you are embracing the role and will be the decision-maker.

* Politely confront your boss about the issue


If a boss handled a situation in a way that affected daily operations and relationships, you need to address it. Be respectful and remember that he or she is the boss–so preparing a fiery 20-minute speech isn’t the way to go. But feel free to ask to discuss the situation and then explain that the group needed a little more guidance. Use it as an opportunity to step up by saying, “I felt that I should take control because of my seniority, but I didn’t want to appear as though I was undermining your authority.” Or, if you aren’t one of the highest ranking people on the team, tell the boss that there was some confusion and that, “We wanted to be certain that we were staying on track with your goals, but we didn’t know if plans had changed and we were supposed to listen to [so-and-so] instead.” Word it however you want, but while showing respect and not whining, voice your concern. Sometimes bosses are so busy they don’t even realize there was any misunderstanding in their directions.

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”
“Sherlock Holmes”, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Why Talking About the Weather is Smart

This article had a really nice excerpt from a book where the author of a chapter “Talking about the weather” talks about how talking about the weather helped him make a connection with other people.

Often, I’ve thought that talking about the weather is kind of a lame way to start a conversation - but there’s no arguing it’s effectiveness.