Tag Archives: management

Management Q&A #1

Posted on February 15, 2026 by Bob Baldwin

Dear Bob: What would you say about a consulting project manager who says to a member of his team, “stop talking because what you are saying doesn’t make any sense,” in front of the entire team and the clients on … Continue reading →

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In The Beginning…Jim McCarthy’s Dynamics of Software Development

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Bob Baldwin

The history of software engineering is marked by recurring crises of complexity, cost overruns, and failed deliveries. In response, management philosophies have evolved from rigid, plan-driven models toward more adaptive and human-centered approaches. Jim McCarthy’s Dynamics of Software Development (1995) … Continue reading →

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Toxic Management Culture

Posted on March 9, 2024 by Bob Baldwin

A toxic management culture is a set of behaviors, attitudes, and values that create a negative and harmful work environment for employees. Toxic managers are often abusive, manipulative, dishonest, unethical, incompetent, or indifferent to the well-being of their subordinates. They … Continue reading →

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Faster Horses

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Bob Baldwin

This article at Ars Technica about Microsoft’s continued failure in emerging non-Windows-centric markets is a prime illustration of a pattern that should seem familiar to anyone who has followed the technology business for any length of time.  A company is … Continue reading →

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Teaching Developers to Lie

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Bob Baldwin

I have been at this for over twenty-five years and it amazes me that the same dysfunctional interactions between management and development teams continues to play itself out over and over again wherever I go.  It never fails.  Management asks … Continue reading →

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