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September 12th, 2018 ×

11 Habits of Highly Effective Developers

Wes Bos

Wes Bos Host

Scott Tolinski

Scott Tolinski Host

or
Show Notes Transcript

In this episode Wes and Scott discuss 11 habits that will make you a better developer - everything from understanding the business goals behind your projects to maintaining work-life balance, staying curious, and developing empathy.

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Show Notes

2:55 - You understand stakeholder and business goals

  • What is the website (or project) ultimately trying to accomplish?
  • How does the business make money?
  • Don't get caught up in your own "mama drama" about frameworks, but instead focus on how a particular framework will help achieve the end goal of the business

5:13 - You're curious and always learning

  • This industry is ever-changing and isn’t slowing down

7:36 - You have an open mind about new technology

  • Don’t “poopoo” something because it’s intimidating, new, scary or different
  • Like foods you've never tried, sometimes something unusual turns out to be game changing

9:57 - You ask for help

  • #LifeHack - most people know more than you
  • Be comfortable with NOT knowing
  • Be comfortable with failing and with how others might perceive that
  • Check your ego at the door

15:35 - You help others

  • Helping others solidifies your own knowledge
  • Answering questions
  • Blogging
  • YouTube videos
  • Mentoring co-workers
  • Not offering unwanted advice

19:12 - You have a "problem solver" mentality

  • General curiosity - figuring out why things aren’t working
  • Break things down into testable components to pinpoint an issue
  • Have a clear head under pressure (e.g. interviews)

24:37 - You have fun with what you do

  • Enjoying challenges
  • Even if something isn't particularly fun, you find ways to make it fun and interesting

27:54 - You understand work-life balance

  • Burnout is huge in our industry
  • It can be difficult when you love what you do, but it's so important to maintain balance

34:00 - You are empathetic to your co-workers and users

  • Be a team players while getting things done
  • Make everyone around you better at what they do
  • Be someone others want to work with by being inclusive and professional
    • Don't make inappropriate jokes, put co-workers in a tough position, etc.

37:08 - You pay attention to detail

  • Think about edge cases

39:03 - You're part of the community

  • Local meetups / lunch and learn
  • Twitter #100daysofcode
  • Conferences

××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ×××

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