Developing the Designer, Designing the Developer

Taking the ME out of TEAM: Part I

2009-02-07T10:06:00.003-06:00

So many times people have said, “There is no I in team!” Only to realize that there is a ME in TEAM. Sometimes, not all the time, designers and developers follow along with the ME in team mentality.

Being a designer or developer is a competitive position by nature. Therefore, many times there are intense discussions or squabbles that occur because one developer sees it differently than another. I am sure the same could be said of other professions as well. However, since my experience is primarily in web and software development I will remain on that side.

In many ways, developers had been stereotyped as being snobby, pretentious or even eccentric. I think we have received a misrepresentative viewing based on what we do. Frankly, in many cases you could say the same thing about “Rocket Scientists” as being…well “Eccentric!”

Since we have to think in many directions and analyze the best path for some processes. This does not classify us as being introverted or necessarily non-personable. We do need to find a better way to be perceived. Primarily we need to be perceived to our employers and valuable and even necessary.

During economic recessions and financial hardships, developers and designers will need to adapt better. In Remaining Employable in Unemployed Times, I was mentioning how developers and designers will need to become “more valuable” to their employers. In subsequent posts I will look at ways that developers and designers can become more valuable as employees. Ultimately, it is not just the “hard times” that we need to prove ourselves more, but overall we must be “extremely valuable.”

Breaking the Developer Mold

2009-02-05T21:02:00.001-06:00

A few days ago I was speaking with a colleague about different types of developers and what they bring to the table. This ranges from typical developers to shall we say “more-involved” developers. I am sure that many project managers, business analysts and managers are more than familiar with this range of developer types.

Sure, most developers get stereotyped as an introverted, keep to themselves while sitting in a dark room with nothing but their computer and energy drinks. Of course, snacks and candy are a must to those late night charges. I should know about this stereotype…I used to be one. I guess that urge to find a partner and have children started to win out over those late night “geek” sessions and the multiple drink can stacks. Come on…don’t tell me you have not tried to stack soda or energy cans at your desk?

For years and years, I had always seen the “coders” or the doers as I refer to them and then the “analysts” who worked more as the logical type. Of course, as the years progressed, business analysts became more and more fundamental to the development process. As development methods changed, so to did the process and well as the teams.

Slowly but surely, it seems more and more like developers are coming to the middle to become more productive, more valuable and more flexible in what they do. For the longest time, it seemed like there were more “coders” and “analysts” running the development world. Another part of that is all the development methodologies out there. But that is for another blog.

Many times as a developer grows both in knowledge and skill level, they find changes occurring in their approaches and methods. Ultimately, they are looking to achieve the same desired result, a great product. Whether developers choose to change their development approach out of necessity. Or they utilize it as a way to break out of the day-to-day monotony in order to accomplish what they are responsible for. The developer will usually find some way to manage this.

At some point in my career, most likely the “Dot Bomb” era, is when I began to see developing in a whole new light. Initially, this re-development occurred due to sheer necessity. Frankly, I viewed myself as not being an artist, much less having a desire to be a “starving” artist. Now I see that someday soon being a developer is going to require a “Big Picture” view. In fact, I have begun this blog to see how becoming more right-brain in your development approach can add to being more valued as an employee.

Of course, with economic downturns or full blown recessions, developers will have a hard time retaining the jobs without being “valuable.”

Remaining Employable in Unemployed Times

2009-01-28T22:17:00.000-06:00

In the upcoming months and years, working individuals will need to find a way to remain employable. Enhancing your financial worth by increasing your company value will become a key to success and in some cases employment. Separating ourselves from others by increasing what we offer an employer will be a must.

It remains a given that developers and designers usually have abilities, skills and knowledge that can set them apart from their colleagues. In many cases this does not set them apart from other developers and designers. Finding a way to stand-out in the goods times and yes, even the bad times will be important. Even in financial times such as this. Employees that offer greater contributions to their employers stand a chance of helping their employer offer undeniable products services to their clientel. By making the company better gives the opportunity for employees to remain even in tight times.

Someone who is leading the charge for employers and employees to step outside of the "square thinking" in today's business is CJ Coolidge. In his blog, The Future of Employment: Maximizing the Value of Employer and Employee. CJ states "...you will begin to earn in accordance with the value you provide, and to your heart's desire." Which can be translated as "what you provide, is what you are worth."

If you feel like you want to put in your typical 8 hours and "call it a day", then you are entitled to do so. However, if by improving yourself and what you offer your employer. You stand a chance to accomplish more both personally and financially. Not only does one stand to increase their earnings by increasing their worth to their employer. In many cases, one stands the chance to remain employable. In the aforementioned blog CJ states, "Great employees who make contributions to the profitability of their employers will be desirable everywhere."

No one here is saying that your 8 hours is not good enough. In fact, many individuals have found ways to be more productive in less time. So keep in mind what you have to offer as a developer or designer. Even if you are not a developer or designer then ponder on what you have to offer.

Ask yourself, "What do I have to offer my employer?"