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diff --git a/notes/soft-skills.html b/notes/soft-skills.html index e262cf14..d25e3a23 100644 --- a/notes/soft-skills.html +++ b/notes/soft-skills.html @@ -16,16 +16,16 @@ <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Always learn new things</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>When you learn something new, e.g. a programming language, first gather an overview, learn from multiple sources, play around and learn by doing and not consuming and form your own questions. Don't read too much upfront. A large amount of time is spent in learning technical skills which were never use. You want to have a practical set of skills you are actually using. You need to know 20 percent to get out 80 percent of the results.</span><br /> +<span>When you learn something new, e.g. a programming language, first gather an overview, learn from multiple sources, play around and learn by doing and not consuming and form your own questions. Don't read too much upfront. A large amount of time is spent in learning technical skills which were never use. You want to have a practical set of skills you are actually using. You need to know 20 percent to get out 80 percent of the results.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Learn a technology with a goal, e.g. implement a tool. Practice practise practice.</li> -<li>"I know X can do Y, I don't know exactly how, but I can look it up."</li> +<li>"I know X can do Y, I don't know exactly how, but I can look it up."</li> <li>Read what experts are writing, for example follow blogs. Stay up to date and spent half an hour per day trading blogs and books.</li> <li>Pick an open source application, read the code and try to understand it to get a feel of the syntax of the programming language.</li> <li>Understand, that the standard library makes you a much better programmer.</li> <li>Self learning is the top skill a programmer can have and is also useful in other aspects in your life.</li> -<li>Keep learning skills every day. Code every day. Don't be overconfident for job security. Read blogs, read books.</li> +<li>Keep learning skills every day. Code every day. Don't be overconfident for job security. Read blogs, read books.</li> <li>If you want to learn, then do it by exploring. Also teach what you learned (for example write a blog post or hold a presentation).</li> </ul><br /> <span>Fake it until you make it. But be honest about your abilities or lack of. There is however only time between now and until you make it. Refer to your abilities to learn.</span><br /> @@ -38,10 +38,10 @@ <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Ratings</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>That's a trap: If you have to rate yourself, that's a trap. That never works in an unbiased way. Rate yourself always the best way but rate your weakest part as high as possible minus one point. Rate yourself as good as you can otherwise. Nobody is putting for fun a gun on his own head. </span><br /> +<span>That's a trap: If you have to rate yourself, that's a trap. That never works in an unbiased way. Rate yourself always the best way but rate your weakest part as high as possible minus one point. Rate yourself as good as you can otherwise. Nobody is putting for fun a gun on his own head. </span><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>Don't do peer rating, it can fire back on you. What if the colleague becomes your new boss?</li> +<li>Don't do peer rating, it can fire back on you. What if the colleague becomes your new boss?</li> <li>Cooperate rankings are unfortunately HR guidelines and politics and only mirror a little your actual performance.</li> </ul><br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Promotions</h2><br /> @@ -49,12 +49,12 @@ <span>The most valuable employees are the ones who make themselves obsolete and automate all away. Keep a safety net of 3 to 6 months of finances. Safe at least 10 percent of your earnings. Also, if you make money it does not mean that you have to spent more money. Is a new car better than a used car which both can bring you from A to B? Liability vs assets.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>Raise or promotion, what's better? Promotion is better as money will follow anyway then.</li> +<li>Raise or promotion, what's better? Promotion is better as money will follow anyway then.</li> <li>Take projects no-one wants and make them shine. A promotion will follow.</li> <li>A promotion is not going to come to you because you deserve it. You have to hunt and ask for it.</li> <li>Track all kudos (e.g. ask for emails from your colleagues).</li> -<li>Big corporations HRs don't expect a figjit. That's why it's so important to keep track of your accomplishments and kudos'.</li> -<li>If you want a raise be specific how much and know to back your demands. Don't make a thread and no ultimatums.</li> +<li>Big corporations HRs don't expect a figjit. That's why it's so important to keep track of your accomplishments and kudos'.</li> +<li>If you want a raise be specific how much and know to back your demands. Don't make a thread and no ultimatums.</li> <li>Best way for a promotion is to switch jobs. You can even switch back with a better salary.</li> </ul><br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Finish things</h2><br /> @@ -63,67 +63,67 @@ <br /> <ul> <li>Learn to finish things without motivation. Things will pay off when you stick to stuff and eventually motivation can also come back.</li> -<li>You will fail if you don't plan realistically. Set also a schedule and follow to it as of life depends on it.</li> +<li>You will fail if you don't plan realistically. Set also a schedule and follow to it as of life depends on it.</li> <li>Advances come only of you give more than asked. Consistency, commitment and knowing what you need to do is more key than hard work.</li> <li>Any action is better than no action. If you get stuck you have gained nothing.</li> <li>You need to know the unknowns. Identify as many unknown not known things as possible. </li> </ul><br /> -<span>Hard vs fun: Both engage the brain (video games vs work). Some work is hard and other is easy. Hard work is boring. The harsh truth is you have to put in hard and boring work in order to accomplish and be successful. Work won't be always boring though, as joy will follow with mastery.</span><br /> +<span>Hard vs fun: Both engage the brain (video games vs work). Some work is hard and other is easy. Hard work is boring. The harsh truth is you have to put in hard and boring work in order to accomplish and be successful. Work won't be always boring though, as joy will follow with mastery.</span><br /> <br /> -<span>Defeat is finally give up. Failure is the road to success, embrace it. Failure does not define you but how you respond to it. Events don't make your unhappy, but how you react to events do.</span><br /> +<span>Defeat is finally give up. Failure is the road to success, embrace it. Failure does not define you but how you respond to it. Events don't make your unhappy, but how you react to events do.</span><br /> <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Expand the empire</h2><br /> <br /> <span>The larger your empire is, the larger your circle of influence is. The larger the circle of influence is, the more opportunities you have.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>Do the dirty work if you want to expand the empire. That's there the opportunities are.</li> +<li>Do the dirty work if you want to expand the empire. That's there the opportunities are.</li> <li>SCRUM often fails due to the lack to commitment. The backlog just becomes a wish to get completed.</li> -<li>Apply work on your quality standards. Don't cross the line of compromise. Always improve your skills. Never be happy being good enough.</li> +<li>Apply work on your quality standards. Don't cross the line of compromise. Always improve your skills. Never be happy being good enough.</li> </ul><br /> <span>Become visible, keep track that you accomplishments. E.g. write a weekly summary. Do presentations, be seen. Learn new things and share your learnings. Be the problem solver and not the blamer.</span><br /> <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Be pragmatic and also manage your time</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>Make use of time boxing via the Pomodoro technique: Set a target of rounds and track the rounds. That give you exact focused work time. That's really the trick. For example set a goal of 6 daily pomodores.</span><br /> +<span>Make use of time boxing via the Pomodoro technique: Set a target of rounds and track the rounds. That give you exact focused work time. That's really the trick. For example set a goal of 6 daily pomodores.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>Every time you do something question why does it make sense be pragmatic and don't follow because it is best practice.</li> +<li>Every time you do something question why does it make sense be pragmatic and don't follow because it is best practice.</li> <li>You can also apply the time boxing technique (Cal Newport) for focused deep work.</li> </ul><br /> -<span>You should feel good of the work done even if you don't finished the task. You will feel good about pomodoro wise even you don't finish the task on hand yet. Helps you to enjoy time off more. Working longer may not sell anything.</span><br /> +<span>You should feel good of the work done even if you don't finished the task. You will feel good about pomodoro wise even you don't finish the task on hand yet. Helps you to enjoy time off more. Working longer may not sell anything.</span><br /> <br /> <h3 style='display: inline'>The quota system</h3><br /> <br /> -<span>Defined quota of things done. E.g. N runs per week or M Blog posts per month or O pomodoros per week. This helps with consistency. Truly commit to these quotas. Failure is not an option. Start with small commitments. Don't commit to something you can't fulfill otherwise you set yourself up for failure.</span><br /> +<span>Defined quota of things done. E.g. N runs per week or M Blog posts per month or O pomodoros per week. This helps with consistency. Truly commit to these quotas. Failure is not an option. Start with small commitments. Don't commit to something you can't fulfill otherwise you set yourself up for failure.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Why does the quota System work? Slow and consistent pace is the key. It also overcomes willpower weaknesses as goals are preset.</li> <li>Internal motivation is more important over external motivation. Check out Daniels book drive.</li> <li>Multitasking: Batching is effective. E.g. emails twice daily at pre-set times..</li> </ul><br /> -<h3 style='display: inline'>Don't waste time</h3><br /> +<h3 style='display: inline'>Don't waste time</h3><br /> <br /> -<span>The biggest time waster is TV watching. The TV is programming you. It's insane that Americans watch so much TV as they work full time. Schedule one show at a time and watch it when you want to watch it. Most movies are crap anyways. The good movies will come to you as people will talk about them.</span><br /> +<span>The biggest time waster is TV watching. The TV is programming you. It's insane that Americans watch so much TV as they work full time. Schedule one show at a time and watch it when you want to watch it. Most movies are crap anyways. The good movies will come to you as people will talk about them.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Social media is time waster as well. Schedule your Social Media times. For example be on Facebook only for max one hour on Saturdays.</li> -<li>Meetings can waste time as well. Simply don't go to them. Try to cancel meeting if it can be dealt with via email.</li> +<li>Meetings can waste time as well. Simply don't go to them. Try to cancel meeting if it can be dealt with via email.</li> <li>Enjoying things is not a waste of time. E.g. you could still play a game once in a while. It is important not to cut away all you enjoy from your life.</li> </ul><br /> <h3 style='display: inline'>Habits</h3><br /> <br /> <span>Try to have as many good habits as possible. Start with easy habits, and make them a little bit more challenging over time. Set ankers and rewards. Over time the routines will become habits naturally.</span><br /> <br /> -<span>Habit stacking is effective, which is combining multiple habits at the same time. For example you can workout on a circular trainer while while watching a learning video on O'Reilly Safari Online while getting closer to your weekly step goal.</span><br /> +<span>Habit stacking is effective, which is combining multiple habits at the same time. For example you can workout on a circular trainer while while watching a learning video on O'Reilly Safari Online while getting closer to your weekly step goal.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>We don't have control over our habits but our own routines.</li> +<li>We don't have control over our habits but our own routines.</li> <li>Routines help to form the habits, though.</li> </ul><br /> <h1 style='display: inline'>Work-life balance</h1><br /> <br /> -<span>Avoid overwork hours. That's not as beneficial as you might think and comes only with very small rewards. Invest rather in yourself and not in your employer.</span><br /> +<span>Avoid overwork hours. That's not as beneficial as you might think and comes only with very small rewards. Invest rather in yourself and not in your employer.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Work-life balance is a myth. Make it so that you enjoy work and your personal life and not just personal life.</li> @@ -140,13 +140,13 @@ <li>Positive thinking can be trained and be a habit. Read the book "The Power of Positive Thinking".</li> <li>Stoicism helps. Meditation helps. Playing for fun helps too.</li> </ul><br /> -<span>Become the person you want to become (your self image). Program your brain unconsciously. Don't become the person other people want you to be. Embrace yourself, you are you.</span><br /> +<span>Become the person you want to become (your self image). Program your brain unconsciously. Don't become the person other people want you to be. Embrace yourself, you are you.</span><br /> <br /> -<span>In most cases burnout is just an illusion. If you don't have motivation push through the wall. People usually don't pass the wall as they feel they are burned out. After pushing through the wall you will have the most fun, for example you will be able playing the guitar greatly.</span><br /> +<span>In most cases burnout is just an illusion. If you don't have motivation push through the wall. People usually don't pass the wall as they feel they are burned out. After pushing through the wall you will have the most fun, for example you will be able playing the guitar greatly.</span><br /> <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Physical health</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>Utilise a standing desk and treadmill (you could walk and type at the same time). Increase the incline in order to burn more calories. Even on the standing desk you burn more calories than sitting. When you use pomodoro then you can use the small breaks for push-ups (maybe won't do as good when you are in a fasted state).</span><br /> +<span>Utilise a standing desk and treadmill (you could walk and type at the same time). Increase the incline in order to burn more calories. Even on the standing desk you burn more calories than sitting. When you use pomodoro then you can use the small breaks for push-ups (maybe won't do as good when you are in a fasted state).</span><br /> <br /> <ul> <li>You can only do one thing, lose fat or gain muscles. Not both at the same time.</li> @@ -158,19 +158,19 @@ <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>No drama</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>Avoid drama at work. Where are humans there is drama. You can decide where to spent your energy in. But don't avoid conflict. Conflict is healthy in any kind of relationship. Be tactful and state your opinion. The goal is to find the best solution to the problem.</span><br /> +<span>Avoid drama at work. Where are humans there is drama. You can decide where to spent your energy in. But don't avoid conflict. Conflict is healthy in any kind of relationship. Be tactful and state your opinion. The goal is to find the best solution to the problem.</span><br /> <br /> -<span>Don't worry about other people what they do and don't do. You only worry about you. Shut up and get your own things done. But you could help to inspire a not working colleague.</span><br /> +<span>Don't worry about other people what they do and don't do. You only worry about you. Shut up and get your own things done. But you could help to inspire a not working colleague.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>During an argument, take the opponent's position and see how your opinion changes.</li> -<li>If you they to convince someone else it's an argument. Of you try to find the best solution it is a good resolution.</li> +<li>During an argument, take the opponent's position and see how your opinion changes.</li> +<li>If you they to convince someone else it's an argument. Of you try to find the best solution it is a good resolution.</li> <li>If someone is hurting the team let the manager know but phrase it nicely.</li> -<li>How to get rid of a never ending talking person? Set up focus hours officially where you don't want to be interrupted. Present as if it is your defect that you get interrupted easily.</li> +<li>How to get rid of a never ending talking person? Set up focus hours officially where you don't want to be interrupted. Present as if it is your defect that you get interrupted easily.</li> <li>TOXIC PEOPLE: AVOID THEM. RUN.</li> <li>Boss likes if you get shit done without getting asked all the time about things and also without drama.</li> </ul><br /> -<span>You have to learn how to work in a team. Be honest but tactful. It's not too be the loudest but about selling your ideas. Don't argue otherwise you won't sell anything. Be persuasive by finding the common ground. Or lead the colleagues to your idea and don't sell it upfront. Communicate clearly.</span><br /> +<span>You have to learn how to work in a team. Be honest but tactful. It's not too be the loudest but about selling your ideas. Don't argue otherwise you won't sell anything. Be persuasive by finding the common ground. Or lead the colleagues to your idea and don't sell it upfront. Communicate clearly.</span><br /> <br /> <h1 style='display: inline'>Personal brand</h1><br /> <br /> @@ -184,16 +184,16 @@ <li>The best way to market yourself is to make you usable.</li> <li>Create a brand. Decide your focus. Throw your name out as often as possible.</li> </ul><br /> -<span>Have a blog. Schedule your posts. Consistency beats every other factor. E.g. post once a month a new post. Find your voice, you don't have to sound academic. Keep writing, if you keep it long enough the rewards will be coming. Your own blog can take 5 years to take off. Most people give up too soon.</span><br /> +<span>Have a blog. Schedule your posts. Consistency beats every other factor. E.g. post once a month a new post. Find your voice, you don't have to sound academic. Keep writing, if you keep it long enough the rewards will be coming. Your own blog can take 5 years to take off. Most people give up too soon.</span><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>Consistency of your blog is key. Also write quality content. Don't try to be a man of success but try to be a man of value.</li> +<li>Consistency of your blog is key. Also write quality content. Don't try to be a man of success but try to be a man of value.</li> <li>Have an elevator pitch: "buetow.org - Having fun with computers!"</li> <li>Have social media accounts, especially the ones which are more tech related.</li> </ul><br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Networking</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>Ask people so they talk about themselves. They are not really interested in you. Use meetup.com to find groups you are interested and build up the network over time. Don't drink on social networking events even when others do. Talking to other people at events only has upsides. Just saying "hi" and introducing yourself is enough. What worse can happen? If the person rejects you so what, life goes on. Ask open questions and no "yes" and "no" questions. E.g.: "What is your story, why are you here?".</span><br /> +<span>Ask people so they talk about themselves. They are not really interested in you. Use meetup.com to find groups you are interested and build up the network over time. Don't drink on social networking events even when others do. Talking to other people at events only has upsides. Just saying "hi" and introducing yourself is enough. What worse can happen? If the person rejects you so what, life goes on. Ask open questions and no "yes" and "no" questions. E.g.: "What is your story, why are you here?".</span><br /> <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Public speaking</h2><br /> <br /> @@ -246,16 +246,16 @@ <h2 style='display: inline'>Negotiation</h2><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>Whoever names the number first loses. You don't know what someone else is expecting unless told. Low ball number may be an issue but you have to know the market.</li> +<li>Whoever names the number first loses. You don't know what someone else is expecting unless told. Low ball number may be an issue but you have to know the market.</li> <li>Salary is not about what you need but what you are worth. Try to find out what you are worth.</li> <li>Big tech companies have a pay scale. You can ask for this.</li> -<li>Don't tell your current salary. Only do one counter offer and say "If you do X then I commit today". Be tactful and not rude. Nobody wants to be taken advantage of. Also, don't be arrogant.</li> +<li>Don't tell your current salary. Only do one counter offer and say "If you do X then I commit today". Be tactful and not rude. Nobody wants to be taken advantage of. Also, don't be arrogant.</li> <li>If the company wants to know your range, respond: "I would rather learn more about the job and compensation. You have a range in mind, correct?" Be brave and just pause here.</li> <li>Otherwise, if the company refuses then say "if you tell me what the range is and although I am not yet sure yet what are my exact salary requirements are I can see if the range is of what I am looking for. If they absolute refuse give a high ball range you would expect and make it conditional to the overall compensation package. E.g. 70k to 100k depending on the compensation package. THE LOW END SHOULD BE YOUR REAL LOW END. Play a little bit of hardball here and be brave. Practise it.</li> <li>Put 10 percent on top of the salary range into a counter offer.</li> <li>Everything is negotiable, not only the salary.</li> <li>Job markup rate: Check it regarding the recruitment rate negotiation.</li> -<li>Don't make a rushed decision based on deadlines. Make a fairly high counter offer shortly before deadline.</li> +<li>Don't make a rushed decision based on deadlines. Make a fairly high counter offer shortly before deadline.</li> <li>You should also cope with rejections while selling yourself. There is no such thing as job security.</li> </ul><br /> <ul> @@ -263,17 +263,17 @@ </ul><br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Leaving the old job</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>When leaving a job make a clean and non personal as possible. Never complain and never explain. Don't worry about abandonment of the team. Everybody is replacement and you make a business decision. Don't threaten to quit as you are replaceable.</span><br /> +<span>When leaving a job make a clean and non personal as possible. Never complain and never explain. Don't worry about abandonment of the team. Everybody is replacement and you make a business decision. Don't threaten to quit as you are replaceable.</span><br /> <br /> <h1 style='display: inline'>Other things</h1><br /> <br /> <ul> -<li>As a leader lead by example and don't lead from the Eiffel tower.</li> -<li>As a leader you are responsible for the team. If the team fails then it's your fault only.</li> +<li>As a leader lead by example and don't lead from the Eiffel tower.</li> +<li>As a leader you are responsible for the team. If the team fails then it's your fault only.</li> </ul><br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Testing</h2><br /> <br /> -<span>Unit testing Vs regression testing: Unit tests test the smallest possible unit and get rewritten if the unit gets changed. It's like programming against a specification n. Regression tests test whether the software still works after the change. Now you know more than most software engineers.</span><br /> +<span>Unit testing Vs regression testing: Unit tests test the smallest possible unit and get rewritten if the unit gets changed. It's like programming against a specification n. Regression tests test whether the software still works after the change. Now you know more than most software engineers.</span><br /> <br /> <h2 style='display: inline'>Books to read</h2><br /> <br /> @@ -282,19 +282,19 @@ <li>Code Complete</li> <li>Cracking the Interview - Lessons and Solutions.</li> <li>Daniels Book "Drive" (about internal and external motivation)</li> -<li>God's degree (inventor of Dilbert)</li> +<li>God's degree (inventor of Dilbert)</li> <li>Head first Design Patterns</li> <li>How to win Friends and influence People</li> <li>Never Split the Difference [X]</li> <li>Structure and programming functional programs</li> <li>The obstacle is the way [X]</li> <li>The passionate programmer</li> -<li>The Power of Positive Thinking (Highly religious - I personally don't like it)</li> +<li>The Power of Positive Thinking (Highly religious - I personally don't like it)</li> <li>The Pragmatic Programmer [X]</li> <li>The war of Art (to combat procrastination)</li> <li>Willpower Instinct</li> </ul><br /> -<span>E-Mail your comments to hi@paul.cyou :-)</span><br /> +<span>E-Mail your comments to hi@foo.zone :-)</span><br /> <br /> <a class='textlink' href='../'>Back to the main site</a><br /> <p class="footer"> |