Thursday Tech Talk – Around the World

Thursday tech Talk – here we go…

Exciting day talking about a patent submission we are preparing. I have never applied for a patent before so every step is a lesson. We are so fortunate to have a patent lawyer (who knew there was such a job?) guiding us. We have passed the first gate and are now preparing for the patent search. This is where lawyers check to see if there is a patent already, or a published description already, of our idea that already exists. I hope not!

Today is also the day we look at all of our award winners for the year and submit names for the end-of-year final award that includes a fabulous celebration the Executives host for the 100 winners. It feels like a mini-Academy awards and the excitement starts mounting when we announce the winners in a few weeks.

On to a discussion about two Apps we are building. These Apps will help us understand the changes we need to make in how we deliver projects – more agile, more specific functionality focused, and maybe more fun. Technology is always changing, in how we deliver it and how we consume it. This is what makes technology careers never-boring.

The last big action for today is to discuss our itinerary for the upcoming trip to India. We will visit four tech companies and five cities. Scheduling for optimal use of time is tricky as we have to take into account flights to each city, jet lag, and making sure everyone stays healthy. These trips are taxing on the body and mind as each day is jam-packed with information, meeting new people, processing all the thoughts we have on how to evolve our application delivery, and eating food that may be familiar, but not in such quantities. The social side – seeing the culture, and the beautiful monuments, and the traffic! – is also a bit overwhelming. Preliminary plans made, refinements next week, and travel visas being processed.

One last meeting…the fun one. Talking about our team, how many people we are hiring, and the workplan for next year that looks challenging. Just what technology teams love!

What a great day!

Wordless Wednesday – Sun and Palm Trees

Thursday Tech Talk – Reply All?

Thursday Tech Talk – should you reply all?

I found myself Thursday in several conversations about the email function of ‘reply all’.  The common thread was nobody likes receiving all those replies, and yet each person involved in the conversation admitted using it.

This led me to ponder, and question, and debate if there is ever a time ‘reply all’ makes sense.

After my (limited) research, I have concluded there is only one scenario where a ‘reply all’ approach feels right.  When the original note is one of thanks, gratitude, or congratulations to a group of people, a ‘reply all’ allows you to chime in with more encouraging words to all deserving of the message.

Other than this, a ‘reply all’ is clogging up the email system for (probably) no value.

Do you agree?  Or am I missing something?  Comment below… Before I implement this challenge to my team!