How to become a great software developer.

Posted by Mike on July 9, 2009

I googled the title of this blog post, as I am working through a difficult transition.  I have been a full-time project manager (PM), but I am switching to 50% PM and 50% developer.  I want to be the best developer I can be in that 50%. 

Here is my story.  I went into management for a better salary.  Back when I did that, I had reached the top of the career path for developers – Systems Analyst. Several years into my time as an IT Manager, I was tapped to lead the Project Office.  I oficially became a project manager and earned my Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification.

The more I worked with software development teams, the more I missed doing software development. As a PM, I also saw problems with software development that I figured would be hard to improve unless I got involved in the work.  A hands-on approach would show me what was going on and build credibility for potential solutions.

My problem?  Besides the tinkering I do in my spare time, most of my programming skills are rusty, out-dated, and underdeveloped. That being said, I have always been able to learn new things. With budgets tight, it is up to me to get started and prove my value. This is where the web really comes handy.  There are so many good, free resources available for learning!

Here are a few that I am using:

• VB Programming for Non-Programmers! – This course will get your feet wet.  It comes in four weekly installments and is easy to follow.
• SQLCourse.com has an Introductory SQL Tutorial.  SQL is a manditory skill for querying relational databases.
• Learning the Java Language – A free course from Sun covering the fundamentals of the Java language.
• JavaBat – Innovative web page with Java practice problems.

Here are a few articles worth reading:

• Five Ways to Become a Better Software Developer – This one surprised me, as most of the tips involve networking and getting feedback from other developers.
• So how do you become a great software developer? – Another surprise – read! At the core is being able to understand the problem you are solving.
• Platform Engineers or Rock Star Engineers – It’s all about passion, skill, and understanding. The Rock Star Engineer can solve problems using whatever technology you put in front of him.

Finally, a couple book lists:

• Do you want to become a great developer? – This list covers a lot of different topics, but none of the books are language-specific.
• How to become a Great Software Engineer – Once again, most of this is not language-specific!

Here is a quote from the “Rock Star” article referenced above that sums it up nicely.

I’ve lost track of how many times this simple fact has been proven to me. The qualities of a great engineer carry over to any platform, and a great engineer will pick up a new platform quickly — mostly because they love learning new things. If you’re starting out in software development, concentrate on being a great engineer. That’s far more valuable than an engineer that knows a platform.

I have seen this too. If you look at the articles and book lists I’ve noted above, you will see that very little is said about specific languages.  The languages are just the tools.  They are important and you need to know them.  However, it’s not the knowledge of languages that make a developer valuable.  It’s the higher skills – learning, networking, understanding, and problem solving.

The ROWE Book

Posted by Mike on June 29, 2008

Book Review: Why Work S***s and How To Fix It by Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson

I eagerly awaited my copy of this book. Like many others, I want to have control of all my life. I don’t see any reason why a Results Only Work Environment (ROWE) can’t work at my work.

I will state up front that I have the hardest time with some of the language in the book, including the title. I just don’t use these words in my life and have a difficult, if not impossible time, saying them. Sure, I used to cuss back in my junior high days, but there was a point when I gave up that kind of talk. I won’t speculate why this kind of language was used, but it is my opinion that it will hurt adoption of ROWE in many organizations.

That being said, I am working in my organization to implement and promote the concepts of ROWE. I have challenged my own assumptions about work and how to measure it. Certainly, results are what are really important. I am able to telework one day a week. This has taken some pressure off my life. However, I would like complete control over when and how I do my work. I see the need in my team and colleagues, too. They are all trying to juggle life, work, and expectations. It would be much better if they could decide how and when to do their work, as long as they produce results. Results – it’s what every manager should want from their organization.

Cali and Jody do a great job of taking the reader through the changes at Best Buy. They also discuss the benefits of ROWE to both the employer and employee. The discussion of sludge is especially good. Any team will benefit from removing sludge. It is also good to hear about how ROWE has impacted people through the Voices from a ROWE sections after each chapter.

Finally, the total focus on results is the key to everything. Yes, a lot of what goes on in the workplace is looking busy. It always amazes me how little of the traditional workday is productive and how little of the communication is truly effective. In a ROWE individuals have control over their time and are measured by results. They now become focused on the important, communicate better, and are more productive.

I recommend, what I refer to as “The Introduction to ROWE Book” with the caution I stated above about the language. The book is packed with great ideas which should prompt valuable discussions. I hope that many workplaces will transform themselves into Results Only Work Environments. If they don’t, the world may just go there anyway.

Work from Home Trial

Posted by Mike on March 13, 2008

I started a work from home trial. Here is the contact for my team to help my working remotely be a success.

I will be working from home on Fridays during March and April. This is a trial to see how it works.

Here is some information to help us work together when I am working remotely.

• Call is you need anything.
  • 999-999-9991 cell
  • 999-999-9992 home
• Meetings: schedule me, I will join by phone.
• Check my work from home wiki to see what I am working on.
• Planned schedule: 6 AM to 2:30 PM.

What do you think? It’s short and to the point.

Welcome

Posted by Mike on February 29, 2008

I got started in project management, the way most people do, accidentally! I was managing an application support team and looking for a better way to get work done for the business. Our CIO noticed what I was trying and tapped me to lead project management.

That’s how I got started, but on to what I’m doing. I am providing project management support to a major system replacement project. In this role, I help the business project manger with the project and also am responsible for the technical side of the project. Along with this, I supervise the QA and Test team, whose four members provide testing support to both this project and another system replacement project. Additionally, I am a team member of the Project Management Office and get assignments related to the PMO.

I am continually looking for better ways to do things. I read books, blogs, and articles looking for tips and techniques, some of which I share with my co-workers. I like helping other people learn and grow. Mostly, I look for ways in which I can improve my personal results.

I look forward to any feedback you can give me, either as a comment or personally. Here’s to all of us being effectual in our work!

Definition of effectual.