The last quarter of 2009 and the first half of 2010 is going to be interesting for software projects. The knowledgeable lead tech person should prepare for sporadic absences caused by the H1N1 virus. A great place to follow the spread of the contagion is the flu tracker site in Pittsburgh. Universities are feeling the effect of the H1N1 virus and are doing all they can to make preparations.
My advice would be to make sure you have flexibility and fluidity in your assignments, insuring that all critical areas of code have a main developer and a "buddy" (Brooks' co-pilot) that is very familiar with the code. Perhaps this is the time to begin pair programming.
This also is the time to establish a remote work program so that folks feeling ill are not tempted to come to work. It would be worthwhile to make it clear that folks feeling ill should stay home. It also may be a great time to experiment with Second Life as a venue for remote meetings.
Please add any other suggestions you would like to share on preparing for and coping with this pandemic. Later!
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