Podcast #36: Ben Johnson of Merrill Corporation

Jun 13, 12 • In Featured, Interviews, Podcast

In this episode, Ben Johnson of Merrill Corporation talks about evolving into remote work, why working in an office is bad for focus and productivity, and why putting your face out on the Internet is a good thing.

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Show Notes:

Twitter: @deafgreatdane
Merrill Corporation
Merrill DataSite
Pragmatic Geek

01:10 – Ben’s introductory and background

Software architect who leads teams in software development efforts in Minnesota
Internal style development

01:37 – Merrill Corporation

Printing company that has evolved into a communications service company
Focused on legal services and financial world (printing and distributing documents)

02:20 – Evolving into remote work

Company wanted to have Ben work remotely rather than not at all

03:12 – Tools

Instant messaging
Conference calling
Wikis & Issue trackers
Email

05:19 – Day to day operation

Formal SCRUM to 15-20 minute daily standups
Reach out to others as needed

07:11 – Advantages of working remotely

Ability to focus
A lot of other venues for knowledge sharing rather than interoffice face to face communication
Introverts vs extroverts

10:41 – Remaining in touch with your team

Trust
Frequent check-ins
Team leads

12:45 – Helpful management techniques

Code reviews
XP techniques
Continual communication

13:53 – Standardized tools are important

16:45 – Advice for others working remotely

More use of real faces on avatars
Starting off with face to face meetings is important

Agile Project Management distributed podcasts productivity project management remote

About the Author: Avdi Grimm

Avdi has been leading and participating in dispersed software development teams since 2007. He works from home in Southern Pennsylvania, and loves the fact that working remotely enables him to spend more time with his wife and five (soon to be six) children.