How clear writing helps your critical thinking skills

If we have an in-house writer, why does it even matter if I can write well? There’s an old saying, Sloppy language is a sign of a sloppy mind. The saying has been attributed to a whole variety of people, but the underlying tenet is universal: writing helps you sort through your thoughts and ideas in a coherent way. Writing and critical thinking are intricately … Continue reading How clear writing helps your critical thinking skills

Why you need to keep a reminder binder (or a smile file)

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if the work you do is any good, if your coworkers appreciate you, if anyone even recognizes the time and effort you put in to projects, or anything along those lines, this tip is for you. How to make a reminder binder The simple key is: take screenshots of nice things people say to you—or about you—in emails, messages, … Continue reading Why you need to keep a reminder binder (or a smile file)

The importance of not doing everything by yourself

As I was trying to decide what topic to write about next, I poured a cup of coffee and mulled out loud to my husband. “Not sure what to write about next,” I said. “Any suggestions?” In the many years I’ve been blogging, I’m pretty sure I’ve never once asked him for help coming up with a topic. Usually it’s because I keep an ongoing … Continue reading The importance of not doing everything by yourself

Is listening the most important skill a creative manager can have?

If you’re an independent contributor (IC) on a creative team in tech or in a tech-adjacent field—like writing, design, or video—your direct manager also likely has a background in a creative area. Many writing managers are (or were) also writers; many design managers are (or were) product designers themselves. This isn’t always the case, of course. Some designers report to product managers, for example, and … Continue reading Is listening the most important skill a creative manager can have?