Overcoming Bias

Making Product Decisions Based on One Large Customer

A large customer represented 40% of a company's revenue, but their wishlist was not necessarily reflective of what other customers wanted. The company took steps to prioritize development based on wide customer research, requiring courage and communication with the large customer. This experience taught the company that listening to the one large customer can skew their view of what the general customer wants, and that it takes courage and communication to prioritize development in a way that is beneficial to the growth of the company.

How to handle tension caused by cultural differences

A team split between Buenos Aires and Dallas had a negative impression of an engineer in Dallas due to his lack of knowledge of industry standards and his direct, even mean, attitude towards the Argentinian engineers. After discussing cultural differences, the engineer changed his behavior and the team was able to work together. It is important to set expectations for different cultures to interact and to discuss cultural differences in order to prevent misunderstandings.

Ethics and Equality in Software Engineering

Before the pandemic, the author was scheduled to deliver a talk about ethics in software engineering. Research revealed that historically marginalized groups faced discrimination in the software industry. To create change, the author recommends unconscious bias and microaggression training, psychological safety for team members to bring up concerns, and listening with respect and empathy. Data is also important to make others aware of the inequalities in software development.

Owning Your Career

A person with Imposter Syndrome has learned to take ownership of their career and to believe in themselves. They have done this by learning to catch their self-doubt, to accept positive feedback, to see negative feedback as systemic, and to fake it until they make it. They have also sought out mentors, networking opportunities, and therapy to help them on their journey. They have learned that many people, especially women in male-dominated fields, are struggling with Imposter Syndrome and should be encouraged to introspect, speak up, take risks, and believe in themselves.

How to Work With People Who Are Different Than You

A new team member from a diverse background struggled to make themselves heard in a new team. Drawing from the book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni, the team member organized activities to build trust and get to know each other better. They also had follow-up activities with an external coach and 1:1s with team members. The team member learned that taking ownership and being solution-minded are important qualities, and that even if you are new to a team, you should make sure you are heard.

The State of Women in Tech

This article discusses the lack of women in the tech industry and the barriers that keep them out. It suggests that companies need to create more female-friendly environments, provide improved working incentives, and encourage young girls to pursue computer science. Additionally, it highlights the fact that women-led tech startups receive 16 times less funding than those led by men. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to break down the institutional barriers that keep women out of the tech industry.