Category: 5 Minute Reads

  • Impact Code

    Taken from

    My Takeaways

    • If you are in the room, be in the room (focus)
    • Keep pushing your comfort zone
    • Don’t be scared of failure
    • Use each second, minute , hour and day wisely as we never get tomorrow back.
    • Think of time in your life as a bank account, at the end of each day 86,400 seconds disappear
    • Model yourself on your heroes
    • When you hit adversity think how children learn to walk get up and try again
    • Every day is an opportunity to change things for the better
    • Getting the right kind of help:

    Analogue

    Imagine you are a carpenter, and you have various tasks like sawing wood, hammering nails, and drilling holes. If you use a hammer for a job that requires a saw, not only will you not accomplish the task effectively, but you’ll also potentially ruin the material and waste time.

    Ask the right person for help

    Similarly, when you seek help at work, make sure that the person you’re asking has the specific skills or knowledge you need for that particular problem. Just like you wouldn’t use a screwdriver to hammer a nail, you shouldn’t ask someone from sales to help you debug a complex software issue unless they have relevant experience.

    Conclusion

    In summary, always make sure you’re reaching out to the ‘right tool’ — in this case, the person or resource — best equipped to assist you in solving your particular challenge.

  • The Art of thinking clearly

    Based on the following Video, i don’t want to reword what is already an awesome summary

    Potential fixes:

    • embrace trial periods
    • create backup plans
    • pre-determine a stopping point
  • Being So Good They Cannot Ignore You: Mastering Your Journey

    based partially on

    Introduction

    In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the mantra “Be so good they cannot ignore you” takes on profound significance. Aspiring tech professionals and enthusiasts are driven to excel, creating a ripple effect that not only shapes their careers but also impacts the industry as a whole. In this blog post, we delve into how to embody this principle and craft a compelling tech journey that demands attention and respect.

    1. Embrace Skill Mastery

    Becoming an expert in your chosen field is the cornerstone of being truly exceptional. Invest time in honing your technical skills through continuous learning, practice, and staying updated with the latest trends.

    2. The Art of Problem-Solving

    Tech professionals who stand out are adept problem-solvers. Cultivate your ability to dissect complex issues, propose innovative solutions, and adapt to new challenges with resilience.

    3. Building a Strong Portfolio

    Showcasing your expertise through a well-crafted portfolio is essential. Share your projects, contributions to open-source initiatives, and technical achievements to make a lasting impression on potential employers and collaborators.

    4. Networking for Visibility

    Being good isn’t enough if you’re hidden from view. Attend tech events, conferences, and meetups to connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and potential employers. Networking can open doors and provide valuable insights.

    5. Consistent Learning and Adaptation

    Tech is synonymous with change. Continuously learn and adapt to emerging technologies to remain relevant and maintain your position as a sought-after professional.

    6. Embody a Growth Mindset

    Approach challenges with a growth mindset. See setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. This mindset encourages you to take risks, explore new avenues, and conquer uncharted territories.

    7. Building a Personal Brand

    In the digital age, your online presence matters. Craft a strong personal brand by sharing your expertise on social media, tech forums, and blogging platforms. Contribute to discussions, provide insights, and establish your authority.

    8. Mentorship and Collaboration

    Collaborating with peers and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can accelerate your growth. Learning from others’ experiences can help you avoid pitfalls and gain valuable insights.

    9. Navigating Impostor Syndrome

    As you strive for excellence, impostor syndrome might rear its head. Understand that it’s common, but your accomplishments and dedication are real. Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward.

    Conclusion

    “Being so good they cannot ignore you” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a mindset that empowers you to carve a remarkable path in the tech world. By mastering your skills, embracing challenges, and building a visible presence, you can create a legacy that not only demands attention but also inspires others to pursue excellence in their tech journeys. Remember, the journey may not always be easy, but the rewards of becoming truly exceptional are beyond measure.

  • Different perspectives for problem-solving and decision-making

    Some options to think over:

    1. Reverse Lens Approach:
      • Consider the problem from another person’s viewpoint.
      • Gain fresh insights by viewing the situation through different eyes.
    2. Long Lens Perspective:
      • Imagine how the problem might appear in the future, say 6 months from now.
      • Recognize the bigger picture and put the issue into a broader context.
    3. Wide Lens Reflection:
      • Focus on learning from the problem at hand.
      • Extract valuable lessons and experiences to improve decision-making.

    These approaches encourage multifaceted thinking and provide tools to view problems from various angles for more informed decision-making

  • The One-Minute Manager

    Largely taken from the book of the same title.

    One Minute Manager

    • If a problem exists without a solution, it’s just a complaint
    • The Number 1 motivator is feedback on results
    • Don’t let annoyances build address early to stop it building
    • Build people up don’t tear them down
    • Be tougher then supportive (not the other way around)
    • Create a team of partners

    One Minute Praising

    • Praise people as soon as possible & be specific with that praise
    • Tell people how good you feel about it and how it helps (give them context)
    • Pause so people can absorb what you have said
    • Encourage them to do more of the same
    • Make it clear you have confidence in them and support their success

    One minute redirect (if a mistake or improvement is needed)

    • Re-direct as soon as possible
    • Confirm the facts and review the issue – be specific
    • Express how you feel and what the impact is
    • Pause and give time for reflection
    • Let them know they are better than their mistake and that you think well of them as a person
    • Remind them that you have confidence and trust in them
    • Realize when the re-redirect is over
  • The Mindset To Radically Change Your Software Engineering Career

    Introduction

    In the ever-evolving world of software engineering, maintaining a growth-oriented mindset is crucial for achieving long-term success. By adopting a business mindset, you can empower yourself to take charge of your career trajectory and become a sought-after professional in the field.

    In this blog post, we will explore the mindset shift of considering your career as a business and how it can lead to radical changes in your software engineering journey.

    Think of Your Career as a Business

    When you view your career as a business, you become the CEO of your professional path. Just like a business owner, you have the power to make strategic decisions, set goals, and determine the direction of your growth. By taking ownership of your career, you no longer see yourself as a passive employee but rather as an entrepreneur seeking opportunities for advancement.

    You Don’t Belong to Your Employer

    While you may be employed by a company, it’s essential to remember that you don’t belong to them. You are an individual with unique skills, talents, and aspirations. Embracing this mindset enables you to detach emotionally from any single employer and instead focus on building a diverse set of experiences and skills that will benefit your long-term career goals.

    Think of Your Employer as a Customer for Your Business

    When you view your employer as a customer, it changes your perspective on the professional relationship. Just as a business strives to provide value to its customers, you should aim to deliver exceptional results and contribute meaningfully to your employer’s success. This shift in mindset fosters a proactive approach, motivating you to consistently seek opportunities to exceed expectations and create lasting impact.

    Evolve and Improve

    Businesses that stand the test of time are those that continuously evolve and improve. Similarly, as a software engineer, it is vital to stay abreast of industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Actively seek out professional development opportunities, attend conferences, engage in online communities, and embrace lifelong learning. By making personal growth a priority, you ensure that your skills remain relevant and adaptable to the changing demands of the industry.

    Think of Yourself as a Brand

    In today’s interconnected world, personal branding plays a significant role in professional success. Viewing yourself as a brand means understanding your unique value proposition and effectively communicating it to potential employers, clients, and colleagues. Consider your strengths, expertise, and the distinct qualities that set you apart from others. Develop a compelling online presence, curate your professional image, and leverage networking platforms to build a strong personal brand that resonates with your target audience.

    Conclusion

    Adopting a business mindset is a transformative approach that can revolutionize your software engineering career.

    By thinking of yourself as the CEO of your professional journey, you take control of your trajectory, viewing your employer as a valued customer. Emphasize continuous improvement, embrace change, and invest in personal growth to remain relevant in the dynamic software engineering industry.

    Lastly, cultivate your personal brand to effectively showcase your unique value proposition and stand out in a crowded market. Embrace this mindset shift, and you’ll be well on your way to radically changing your software engineering career for the better.