Working Notes

I was looking to share some photos I took from my new phone but saw they were in a different format than I was expecting. As part of iOS 11, Apple changed the default file type to something called a HEIC file. I'm sure the benefits to this are many, but one of the key drawbacks is that you can't view these files in a web browser. Spyware concerns from the early 2000s have left me a little shy about installing a utility downloaded off the Internet. So I dug a little deeper and found an Automator workflow to add a quick action to convert with a right-click. #awesome It's so simple, you don't even need sound, which is good, because there's no spoken words.

As I've been preparing for interviews lately, I've been rehearsing my 30-second elevator pitch and unique selling point (sounds like futures posts, doesn't it?). As part of this prep, I've been trying to anticipate interview questions that are both technical and behavioral.  As I've been in the interviewer chair before, I always found the behavioral questions to provide the most insightful answers. As a candidate, answering this questions with clarity and confidence can help to differentiate you from everyone else. At the end of an interview, there is usually time for the candidate to ask questions to the interviewers. It might be tempting to get out while you’re ahead, but this is really an opportunity to dig in and find out more about the company and the people you might be working for. At the risk of tipping my hand to potential hiring managers, here's a list of questions I keep with me during the interview. Questions for the hiring manager or leader W...

A number of years ago, Lifehacker ran a series documenting what items were carried in your bag. As part of this series, I developed a firm appreciation for minimalism but also for utilitarianism. While I could carry an iPad, Laptop, two chargers, a book, a notebook, and lunch not all of those things were necessary for my daily commute. The piece that stuck with me as you can guess from the photo, one item I always keep in my bag is my trusty Penguin Mint/tool kit. The mints are long gone, but this is my safety kit, should I need something in a relative emergency. So what's in here: Headphones : a must for avoiding contact or when you want a hands-free conversation on your phone.  Key Features:  Corded work best, since you don't have to recharge Doesn't everyone have a set of Ear Pods in a drawer, keep them with you.  USB Stick : Never know when you are going to have transfer files the "Old Fashioned way".  Key features:  Use your mo...

MN State Fair Fine Arts Project During my annual trip to the Minnesota State Fair, I walked through the Fine Arts building and stumbled across this piece located opposite the information desk. At first, I chuckled. After all, the purpose of working together should be towards a common goal, not conflict. I was so enthralled by this piece, I took a picture (was I supposed to do that?) and made it the background image on my iPhone. Since then, I've had more time to reflect and I've come to this piece with a renewed perspective. When we work together, we create conflict.  The inverse of this statement could be "When we work alone, we create agreement." This is also a true statement because working alone only creates harmony with the individual doing the work. So, if we accept proof by inverse, then this statement must be true. But why do we create conflict? Conflict can arise from a number of different areas: ideological, procedural, political, and/or knowledge...

Since I last wrote about this, I've been working remotely on a more regular basis. Working remotely has some clear advantages, including a freedom of interruptions and distractions associated with working in a traditional office setting. I've found that through working at home, I have a whole new set of distractions that can creep in and kill productivity. Instead of walk-up traffic to my desk, I now have social media, TV, dishes, laundry and a fridge full of snacks at my disposal. It became clear that it would be a spectacular failure, working remotely, if I didn't change something. So, I did what I always do in these cases, I defined my success criteria and put together a plan to work towards those criteria. Why do I want to work from home? More time for family Fewer distractions from work Better coffee Be more physically active  What is expected of me from my current role:  Meeting attendance and participation Timely response to emails Satisfactory work ...

A couple weeks ago, I took the nuclear option and erased my iPhone6s . The device reports that the battery needs to be replaced, but I had hoped to squeeze out a couple more months before upgrading. Rather than re-downloading all the apps I had previously used, I wanted to start with a more minimalist approach to see if I could live without all the additional notifications and background processes. I started by only configuring my Mail & Calendar for work and personal accounts. I've also given myself permission to download Apple Maps and the Microsoft Authenticator, which is required for some services protected by MFA . And that's it. No more Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Also no Wallet, Apple News, Apple Music * . I'm not sure if I've gained the battery that I had hoped for, but I did get what I was hoping for: a more functional device and fewer distractions. Perhaps I'm late to the bandwagon, but Manoush Zomorodi discussed a less extreme version of ...

Last week I worked from home for three days as an experiment to see if I would like it or not. Short answer, it wasn't bad. I felt like I performed my work tasks with the same level of efficiency, but I also felt like I'd have to make some changes to optimize the experience. First, my current work environment includes the following features: a 45-minute commute an on-site gym with showers a PC with dual 22in wide-screen monitors  a cubicle with windows Free K-Cups Walk-up traffic from Developers and Project Managers By contrast, my home office includes the following features:  a 1/2 minute commute my laptop (MacBook Pro w/ 13in Retina display) office with french doors and windows personal coffee maker Walk-up traffic from my kids Pros Working with only my laptop was pretty nice. I tend to mono-task, so a single screen for work was perfect for my workflow. I found myself bouncing back and forth into a Citrix desktop environment for access to some applic...