Becoming a True "Professional" in Software Teams

"Success in any job is based on professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work with others."

The way you work reflects who you are and directly impacts the kind of feedback you receive. Being professional is key to creating a positive reputation and fostering long-term success in your career. People naturally prefer working with professionals because it simplifies communication and reduces effort, making projects run smoother. When a team is made up of professionals, the chances of success are much higher, as everyone knows their role and how to handle responsibilities efficiently. But what does it really mean to be professional? It's more than just doing your job well — it’s about how you approach your work, collaborate with others, and manage challenges. In this post, we’ll explore what it takes to become more professional, from improving communication to honing your technical skills. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your role, these tips will help you stand out and contribute to your team’s success

Prepare Thoroughly for Every Meeting

"Professionalism is not a label you give yourself; it’s a description you hope others will apply to you." David Maister

Whether you're hosting or attending a meeting, preparation is key to making it productive.

If you're the host, it's essential to organize all materials in advance. Prepare the agenda, relevant documents, and any discussion points, then send them to your team at least one or two days before the meeting. This gives everyone time to review. Also, check the availability of all key members to ensure the meeting is scheduled at a convenient time for everyone.

If you're a participant, review the agenda and documents carefully. This helps you understand the purpose of the meeting and allows you to actively contribute. Write down any questions or concerns you have and, if possible, share them with the host before the meeting. This not only shows that you're engaged but also gives the host time to prepare thoughtful answers, which can make the meeting more efficient.

Whether you're the host or a participant, preparation helps ensure meetings are focused and effective, saving time and effort for everyone involved. Being prepared is one of the key ways to show professionalism in any team setting.

Provide Context and Solutions When Asking Questions or Raising Issues

"Excellence is not an act, but a habit" Aristotle

When you ask questions or bring up issues, the person you're asking might not fully understand the problem right away. They may need to check on things and get back to you. To avoid delays and confusion, make sure your questions are clear and provide context so the leader or team member can understand the situation quickly. Explain what led to the issue, and give any relevant details to help them grasp the full picture.

Additionally, offering your own solutions shows that you've thought carefully about the problem. This demonstrates initiative and your understanding of the issue, making you appear proactive and engaged in your work. Even if your proposed solutions are not accepted, it opens up a discussion and allows you to learn from your leader’s feedback.

So, don't hesitate to bring up problems, but always frame them with clarity and potential solutions. It’s a great way to show your professionalism and commitment to problem-solving within the team.

Summarize Your Work at the End of Each Sprint

During review periods, it's crucial to showcase your accomplishments and contributions. However, with reviews happening only once a year, it can be challenging to remember every detail. To make this process easier and more effective, consider writing a summary of your work every week or two. This will help you keep track of your achievements and progress throughout the year.

Structure your summaries with the following points:

• Achievements: What goals or milestones did you reach during this period?

• Learnings: What new skills or knowledge did you acquire?

• Problem Resolution: How did you address and solve problems within the team?

• Evidence: Include relevant documentation, such as images, notes, code snippets, or pull requests, to support your points.

• Next Steps: Outline your plans or goals for the upcoming period.

By maintaining these summaries, you'll have a comprehensive record to refer back to during review time. This approach not only saves you time but also ensures you present a detailed and organized account of your work.

Final Thought

"Being professional means showing up every day and doing your best, even when you don’t feel like it."

Striving to become a professional in your work is more than just aiming for success; it opens up numerous opportunities in both your career and personal life. By adopting a professional attitude, you not only enhance your performance but also create pathways for growth and advancement. Embracing professionalism can lead to greater achievements, more meaningful connections, and a broader range of opportunities. So, commit to excellence in your work, and you'll find that it pays off in many ways beyond the office.