Backwards Compatible- Lessons from a Quarter Century in Software - Anjuan Simmons

About this Video

• Video Title: Backwards Compatible- Lessons from a Quarter Century in Software - Anjuan Simmons
• Channel: NDC Conferences
• Speakers: Anjuan Simmons
• Duration: 01:01:10

Introduction

This NDC Conference talk by Anjuan Simmons shares lessons learned throughout a 25-year career in software development. The talk focuses on unspoken expectations and strategies for navigating various career stages, from landing the first job to becoming a manager. It emphasizes the importance of impact over activity, building relationships, effective communication, and self-advocacy.

Key Takeaways

1. First Five Minutes Matter: In job interviews, hiring managers often decide within the first five minutes whether to move a candidate forward. Being punctual and providing concise, impactful answers are crucial.
2. Focus on Impact, Not Activity: Highlight the impact of your work, not just the tasks completed. Quantify achievements and relate them to team, product, company, and customer success.
3. Public Interview Questions: Advocate for public interview questions to level the playing field for all candidates, particularly those for whom English is not their first language or those who benefit from more time to formulate answers.
4. Negotiate Your First Offer: Don't settle for the first job offer. Research market value and negotiate total compensation (salary, benefits, etc.).
5. Document Your Accomplishments (Brag Docs): Keep a running log of your accomplishments, focusing on impact and aligning them with company expectations. This helps during performance reviews and promotion considerations.
6. Utilize One-on-Ones: Actively participate in one-on-ones with your manager, bringing an agenda and utilizing the time for career development and feedback.
7. Be Mindful of Glue Work: Identify and negotiate "glue work" (tasks not directly related to core responsibilities) with your manager to ensure it's valued and doesn't detract from your primary contributions.
8. Learn to Say "No": Develop strategies to politely decline requests that would overload your workload or compromise your commitments.
9. Build Relationships and Give Trust: Build strong working relationships by sharing personal information appropriately, fostering trust and understanding.
10. Understand Peer Incentives: Recognize that the incentives of peers (e.g., product managers) may differ from your own, requiring adaptive communication and collaboration.
11. Documentation is King (for Managers): Maintain meticulous documentation of team members' performance, both positive and negative, for objective assessment and HR support.