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 Stack Overflow
Quora
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 ××× Scott: Overcooked! 2
Wes: Book - Rich Dad Poor Dad
Shameless Plugs Scott’s React Testing for Beginners Course
Wes’ Advanced React Graph QL Course
Tweet us your tasty treats! Scott’s Instagram
LevelUpTutorials Instagram
Wes’ Instagram
Wes’ Twitter
Wes’ Facebook
Scott’s Twitter
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