In school I was never nervous for tests… and I also never did well. Now, as an adult, I’m nervous before exams…. and I crush them.
All in Professional Development
Let others do their jobs
Transitioning roles can be exciting… but one thing we have to remember is to let go of the old one. Staying too involved cheats our replacement out of valuable experience, and holds us back.
Beginning Background Knowledge
Understanding underlying concepts is critical to being successful. Not only will they help in whatever you’re up to now, but they can be applied across tools areas and people to make other ventures more successful as well.
Domain Expertise
Knowing the system is absolutely necessary to supporting it. Know the domain it exists in, however, vastly improves our ability to manipulate and design the best way to use that system. Take time to learn that domain, meet the experts in it and if you can, become one.
Standards
Standards allow different groups to share a common background. The USB standard, for example, allows anyone to make a device that can use it… but sometime standards… aren’t, and that’s where we run into trouble
Flexing your focus muscles
Not being focused is essentially a choice. Fortunately, focus is like our muscles, it’s strength and control can be improved by conscious effort. Take time every day to practice focusing on something (anything, really), and consciously take control.
Play a little, train a little, work a little every day
Taking time to train, play and work each day not only helps keep us balanced, but helps ensure we have time to do things that are meaningful to us.
Laid Off? Invest in Your Self
Getting laid off is tough… many stressful questions can come up and a lot of uncertainty is introduced. It also presents an opportunity though… an opportunity to work on your Self and really figure out how you want to shape your life.
Giving and accepting feedback can be challenging. Remember though, at the end of the day it is about becoming better and helping you improve.
There aren’t many of us who can be “the best” at any one thing. This means we have to learn to be OK being the best “me”.
There’s always been a debate around training vs. experience. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and ardent supporters. I find a blended approach very helpful - you get both hands-on learning and background knowledge.
Keeping track of your accomplishments is important. Not only can it help during performance evaluations, but more importantly having a stock of positive messages can help pick you up when you’re down
We’ve all got tons to do. Understanding what pieces of work you can get rid of (either by automation, sharing or just not doing) will both help you know what’s going on AND help improve how you operate.
Being in “tech” has a certain allure to many folks. If you’re interested in getting into “tech”, take time to first understand WHY you want to, then get out there and do your homework.
Just like that first workout can turn someone off to the gym, accepting those tough, uncomfortable, assignments can be hard. Instead of seeing it as a painful thing to endure, I’ve begun to see it as a positive reflection of growth