Much of the change we experience in our software organizations is coercive. Software engineers, architects, and sometimes even people in software engineering management roles feel they cannot spark change without formal authority, Eb Ikonne mentioned at QCon London 2024. To catalyze change, he suggested identifying allies, inviting people to participate in the change, and creating and sustaining engagement through storytelling.
Ikonne mentioned that people tend to believe they cannot initiate change in their groups without formal authority and power over others:
We are told that we must do X, Y, or Z, and it’s implied that the consequences for not going along will be negative. No one really cares to consider what we think about said change.
After a while, we believe that the change can only happen this way, Ikonne argued. We then proceed on a mission to accumulate positional power so we can also cause change to happen this way. In doing so, we continue the cycle of coercive change and perpetuate this belief.
Ikonne explained how he took on a managerial leadership role for a software engineering team, after some success as a software engineer, because he thought the only way to make things happen within the team was to force change on people:
I was fortunate to have team members respond negatively to my approach and not lose my job. The lessons I learned from that experience made me reflect on and challenge my beliefs about change.
That change must be done coercively is a tacit assumption many people hold deeply within software development organizations, Ikonne said. Hence, attempts to have software development teams adopt new practices, tools, or technologies are often coercive, even when people don’t recognize the coercive nature of the change they’re initiating, he added.
Ikonne stated that people who don’t have much formal authority and power-over others in the organization, which is often the case for many software engineers, architects, and similar roles, believe they cannot spark change in their group. Even people in software engineering management positions believe their ability to catalyze change is limited to the groups they control.
To non-coercively catalyze change in groups, you want to identify allies, invite people to participate in the change, and create and maintain engagement through storytelling regardless of where you’re an architect, software engineer, or some other role on the team, as Ikonne argued:
In my experience, multiple people think the group or organization will benefit from change. If you’re a software developer who thinks your team will benefit from adopting a new set of design patterns, look for others who think the same way.
Or maybe you’re a team lead and think there is a more effective way to discuss technical challenges. Identify teammates who share your opinion.
Ikonne stated, “When it comes to group change, if you want to go fast and far, you must go with others.”
Demonstrating expertise is a fantastic way to expand and grow your informal authority, Ikonne said. For people in a software engineering context, like software engineers and architects, this means developing subject matter expertise in one or more areas of your work:
Become someone that people go to when they have questions. Always be willing to help others.
Informal authority isn’t something you can demand from others, Ikonne said. People have to give it to you because they respect you and what you’re about. The better your relationships are with people, the better your chances of expanding your informal authority within your organization, Ikonne said. If you want to catalyze change non-coercively, you need informal authority, he concluded.
InfoQ interviewed Eb Ikonne about catalyzing change and expanding informal authority.
InfoQ: How do you catalyze change in software organizations in the absence of formal authority and power over people?
Eb Ikonne: It’s not as much about the absence of formal authority and power-over people as it is about not relying on these organizational resources to cause change.
I’ve always found other people who think we’d be better off making the changes I’m thinking about. Engaging other software engineers, architects, etc in the change endeavor and having them champion the change in the networks creates a cascade of change within the group.
InfoQ: How can storytelling engage people into change?
Ikonne: To give an example, I’ve shared with a software engineering team how another team facing similar challenges adopted new technical practices (for example, committing to the main branch) and how those practices helped them overcome their challenges. This kind of story inspires and engages.
InfoQ: How can tech people expand informal authority within groups and organizations?
Ikonne: There are several ways to expand your informal authority, but investing in developing healthy relationships with people is fundamental. If more people did this, i.e., focused on their relationships, our workplaces would be radically different. I firmly believe this.
Take the time to get to know the people you work with regardless of their position in the organizational hierarchy. Invite people to chat over tea or lunch. Talk about shared interests you might have. To borrow from Martin Buber, move beyond the transactional I-It relationships- seeing people as objects- to an I-Thou relationship that sees people for the humans they are.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
