Naomi Karten
TechWell
Cambridge, MA, United States
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Past articles by Naomi:
Tips for Dealing with a New Boss
Simply listening to what a new boss says can be a good way to detect what’s important to them. Instead of bombarding the boss with an overview of your accomplishments or a declaration of what you view as significant, start by paying attention. You’ll be showing an interest in their needs and demonstrating your value. → Read More
6 Ways to Build Strong Relationships on Your Project Team
When you form a new team to tackle a major project, the project's success hinges not just on the technical savvy of the team members, but also—and especially—on how well the team members get along. How everyone communicates and collaborates can make or break your project. Here's how to build strong team relationships. → Read More
5 Tips for Giving a Polished Presentation
Most software audiences appreciate solid content over performance pizzazz, but you don't want your demonstration to be a dud. You can learn a lot about how not to give a presentation from others' mistakes! If you'll be speaking at a conference or meeting soon, here are five tips for giving a polished presentation. → Read More
The Normalization of Deviance Could Be Hurting Your Team
Normalization of deviance refers to becoming blasé about counterproductive behavior or activities. The concept applies to processes that become ingrained in a team even though they contribute to negative outcomes, such as slipping deadlines. Employees become so accustomed to the deviance that, to them, it seems normal. → Read More
The Power of a Single Question in Understanding Customer Needs
People tend to see their circumstances as more unusual, difficult, or troublesome than anyone else’s. As a result, by asking about their problem, priorities, or responsibilities, you can gain important information about their situation and how they perceive it. Here's one question to learn a lot about your customers. → Read More
Thinking Inside the Box before Venturing Outside It
In their rush to solve a problem, teams often overlook conventional methods in favor of out-of-the-box ideas. But sometimes, the old standbys—thinking first, reviewing criteria, and asking questions—work the best. Before jumping to creative tactics, start by examining the possibilities readily available inside the box. → Read More
Things Managers Should Never Say
Managers have to communicate regularly with the people they're managing. However, managers also need to try harder to be mindful of what they are saying, instead of speaking before they think. Here are some things a manager should never say—avoid these lines and people will be more likely to follow your lead. → Read More
What You Can Learn from Failure—and from Success
Success and failure teach different lessons. Lessons from failure tend to revolve around what not to do next time around, whereas lessons from success focus on what you can do again, perhaps even better. But whether you experience success or failure, the key is to take the time to learn from what happened. → Read More
The Key to Avoiding Procrastination
If you have a task you've been putting off, dividing it into small chunks is a good idea. But the real key to overcoming procrastination is just getting started. Once you begin, you’ve built momentum and are likely to keep going, doing a little more until you’ve made good progress—and maybe even completed the job. → Read More
Becoming a Charismatic Leader
Charismatic leaders can accomplish some things that may be more difficult for leaders who aren’t charismatic: They can sell the vision in a way that makes people buy into the possibilities. They can inspire people to do their best and thereby achieve results that other leadership styles can’t do as readily. → Read More
The Benefits of Thinking on Your Feet—Literally
Most articles and research about avoiding prolonged sitting and doing more work while standing have focused on the physical health benefits of periodic standing, particularly if you have a desk job. But there are also mental benefits. Standing and walking improve attention, memory, and other cognitive skills, too. → Read More
Preventing Workplace Miscommunication
When one person says something that the other one misinterprets—a very common type of workplace miscommunication—the conversation often moves on with neither party realizing what happened. Being able to discover a misinterpretation and straighten it out before it escalates into a serious tangle is an important skill. → Read More
Weird Ideas for Improving Your Productivity at Work
You've tried all the typical tips for increased productivity—scheduling, timeboxing, prioritizing—but you still find yourself distracted and wasting time. Maybe it's time to give one of these unconventional ideas for improving productivity a try. They're so crazy, they just might work. → Read More
Why You Should Have an Observer on Your Project Team
If your project team suffers from misunderstandings or squabbles, it may be valuable to designate an observer role. This person would sit back and pay attention to whether there are patterns of miscommunication, interruptions, or conflicts that those in the conversations may not notice, helping resolve problems. → Read More
Organize Your Workspace, Improve the Way You Work
Having to spend time locating papers or supplies can make a definite dent in your productivity. If you're unorganized at work, it may be time to declutter. By re-evaluating your belongings, identifying your trouble spots, and organizing your surroundings by importance, you'll be able to do your job better. → Read More
What to Say (and Not Say) in a Job Interview
The interview can strongly influence whether you get the job you’re seeking. It’s not just what you say in responding to interview questions that’s important; it’s how you say it. And maybe even more important than things you should say is steering clear of things you shouldn’t say. Here are some points to consider. → Read More
Stop Procrastinating and Start Getting Things Done
Everyone procrastinates sometimes. But if it's becoming a real problem for you, there are things you can do to try to overcome chronic procrastination. For instance, try dividing your work into small, manageable steps, setting time limits for tasks, and eliminating distractions. Read on for more tips. → Read More
Acknowledging Employees’ Efforts: So Easy, So Important
Acknowledgement is one of the most important things a manager can do. Research suggests that most people are more motivated by being told what they’re doing right than what they’re doing wrong. Recognition of small, everyday efforts and routine accomplishments make a difference in how employees feel about their work. → Read More
To Sound Intelligent and Articulate, Enunciate as You Speak
If people have to guess what you’re saying, they may discount even your best ideas. If you can’t tell whether you’re pronouncing and enunciating your words well, record your presentation practice sessions or read a few paragraphs from a book to monitor the clarity of your speech. Your listeners will thank you. → Read More
How to Deal with a Manipulative Coworker
Manipulation in the workplace can take many forms. It often manifests as one person turning coworkers against each other, spreading rumors, or making people feel insecure—either for the person's own benefit or just for entertainment. If you witness this destructive behavior, there are things you can do to stop it. → Read More