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 […]

Changing Constraints: Thoughts on Postponing a Wedding

On March 11, 2020, Atomic Object made the decision to have employees work from home due to the Coronavirus. That was about two months from my upcoming wedding, planned for May 16. Our plan was to invite around 175 friends and family for a beautiful ceremony, followed by a night of barbecue, toasts, and dancing. […]

A Blog Post Writer’s Toolbox

I recently read Stephen King’s On Writing, a cross between a memoir and a writing guide. Even though King is a fiction writer, I was surprised to find that there’s a good deal of writing advice that applies to the writing I do as a consultant, explaining complex concepts to clients. I’ve also been working […]

Six Ways to Handle Context Switching when Learning Several Things at Once

When you need to learn a bunch of new things at once, constantly context switching between them can be very counterproductive. Concepts can get jumbled together in your head, and it can become impossible to remember which information applies to which topic. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help you […]

How I’m Making Coworker Appreciation a Regular Practice

Appreciating your coworkers is a great way to build strong relationships in the workplace. I often feel appreciative, but I find it’s hard to make that appreciation known — especially when I’m busy or under pressure or stress. But making appreciation known can reap big rewards, both in building relationships and in making you feel […]

Not a Normal Developer? Find & Develop Your Strengths

I was recently chatting with a computer science student about her personal career goals. She was struggling a bit to name anything specific that she’s hoping to accomplish, saying it’s largely because there are so many possibilities. She asked me, “What tools should I know? What things are most likely to get me a job?” […]

Five Tips for a Successful Design Portfolio Review; Are You Ready?

As a student, it was during my final portfolio review that I got my big break (by talking to the person that would become my first boss and employer). It was also during the portfolio review process that design professionals reinforced what my professors had been teaching us all along (which, maaaaaaaybe, I was too […]

What World-Famous BBQ Taught Me About Software Development

Franklin Barbecue is one of the best-regarded barbecue spots in the country. A few years back, my wife and I took a trip to Austin, with one goal being to get some of the world-famous smoked meat. Like a lot of best-in-class spots, one doesn’t merely walk in and get some food (I’m looking at […]

How to Attend a Conference (and Make It Worth Your Time) – Part 2

Yesterday, you learned how to select a conference that aligns with your professional development goals. Hopefully, you’ll take the plunge and register for a conference soon. Here are a few ways to maximize your experience and get the most out of your investment. 1. Fully Engage For most people, work responsibilities don’t disappear when you […]

How to Attend a Conference (and Make It Worth Your Time) – Part 1

Conferences aren’t cheap. Registration fees, travel expenses, and time spent away from the office can add up fast. How can you get the most value from your investment? In this two-part guide, you’ll learn how to pick the right conference and make the most of your time attending.

Atomic Spin

Atomic Object’s blog on everything we find fascinating.

Growing as Makers