I setup a discussion group to connect with other engineering managers to share ideas, ask questions, discuss problems, network, and provide/receive mentoring.
We'll make sure there's no recruiting, spamming, job postings, or other solicitations.
59 karma · joined July 14, 2012
We'll make sure there's no recruiting, spamming, job postings, or other solicitations.
We'd love to join forces with the OP (and anyone else) to "found a help network for hackers." We actually have online discussion already planned on March 20 to begin this process:
http://workshops.cojourneo.com/workshops/Surviving-the-Start...
It features two "legends" who are uniquely experienced to guide these efforts: Parker J. Palmer & Jerry Colonna.
Everyone is invited. I'd love for the OP or anyone else to contact me at kevin@cojourneo.com if you'd like to join forces. We can make a difference together.
Our main thesis: A truly great workshop/class is about MUCH MORE than learning. In matter of fact, the most life-changing aspect of a great workshop/class is NOT THE LEARNING but the HUMAN CONNECTION: connecting with your peers/teacher, discovering new things about yourself, experiencing community, and forming new relationships.
My paraphrase from article: "The sad truth about the world is that it doesn’t need more yes-saying and certainly no more yes-saying critics. We are drowning in them. What we need more of, are excellent and authoritative and punishing critics — perceptive enough to single out the voices that matter for legitimate praise, abusive enough to remind us that not everyone gets, or deserves, a gold star."
I wonder where all this technology is going to lead. Connectedness should increase our humanity, not harm it.
Unlikely I know, but their access to true real-time data presents interesting possibilities I think.
Eventually, I succumbed to the pressure and curiosity of having a smartphone. Now, as I check my email, tweet, or check HN walking my dog, as I'm eating lunch, etc., I find myself wondering: is this connectedness actually making my life BETTER?
I think for me, the answer is somewhat ambiguous. Yes, I appreciate the flexibility of being able to reply to emails in places and at times I was previously unable. However, I think there is a cost. I'm a lot less "present" during the monotonous moments of life. And, I think it's this monotony --- the "down time" --- that often makes space for unexpected creativity in our lives. Perhaps that's why our best ideas often come during mundane tasks like taking a shower (http://www.scottberkun.com/blog/2011/why-you-get-ideas-in-th...).
Anyway, I think the bottom line for me is this: I need to learn a new skill: how to disconnect and, perhaps more importantly, come to value these "boring", unproductive moments so I can withstand the temptation of pulling out my phone. I think that's an even bigger challenge for me.