Managing the Sustainable Pace, Expectations, and Work/Life Balance at a Software Consultancy

Working at a software consultancy is a challenging, competitive, and, at times, stress-filled experience. It is also filled with huge opportunities for learning and growth that you won’t find anywhere else. That, for me, makes Atomic Object one of the most rewarding places that I’ve ever worked. Many of the people I’ve worked with are […]

My Network Upgrades with UniFi & Xfinity for Better At-Home Work and School

Most home networks are fine for watching TV, playing video games, and casual web browsing. Your internet service provides all the equipment and bandwidth necessary for you to be “connected.” What I had set up at home certainly used to fit within that “good enough” category. That’s no longer true. Since the pandemic started, I’ve […]

Six Ways to Improve Your Listening Skills & Become a Great Consultant

If there’s one critical consulting skill that’s often overlooked, it’s listening. I’m talking about real active listening — hearing what the client is saying. Many consultants focus on impressing clients with the depth of their knowledge. They get so engrossed with their own knowledge, they don’t even realize that all they hear is their own […]

Bringing Gratitude into our Level 10 Meetings

Busy people often fall into autopilot as they move from one problem to the next. Leaders can lose sight of the importance of acknowledging the efforts of others—especially when things aren’t going well. It’s hard to make the time or effort to express thanks. But there are small ways you can take back control of […]

More than a “Manager” – How to become a Career Coach & Help Your Makers Thrive

There is a big difference between being a good manager and a good coach. Managers focus on making sure team members are meeting expectations and help them navigate the policies of the organization. Good coaches, on the other hand, bring out the best in team members so they can reach their full potential.

Grit: Why You Want the Tough Stuff

In early 2013, while working for a previous employer, I realized that we had a problem. I learned that a client for whom we were actively developing software had not been paying their bills. I had a large development team working very hard, and we were in the middle of a multi-month project. This client […]

You Need to Be Involved with SoftwareGR

Are you a software designer or developer looking to connect with others in West Michigan? How about an owner of a software consultancy who would like some exposure to potential new employees? Maybe you lead a department of software designers and developers and would like to expose them to new ideas?

You’re Doing Feedback All Wrong

Managers are expected to give feedback. It goes with the responsibility of leading a team of employees. The idea is that by giving compliments and constructive criticism, they will correct errors and improve the performance of their employees. If they do this task well, their teams will excel. This will lead to happy employees and […]

What Challenge Will Your Company Face Next? Check the Predictable Success Framework

As each company grows, it faces different challenges. Some of these hurdles follow known patterns related to where the company is in its evolution. For example, early-stage companies founded by a strong entrepreneur often get to a point where the founder becomes overwhelmed with too many competing demands. Companies that have experienced rapid growth can […]

Have a Big Software Idea? Start Small, then Make it Better

I admire the pursuit of perfection. Think of athletes, artists, and musicians who dedicate their lives to continual self-improvement—to becoming experts. One thing every expert knows is that striving for perfection is a process. You have to be willing to fall short, learn, and try again. You wouldn’t refuse to run in a race until […]

Atomic Spin

Atomic Object’s blog on everything we find fascinating.

By: Jeff Williams

Author: Jeff Williams