Back in 2016! I have written something like the following in an internal group.Fast forward to 2024, I have rewritten it with the help of an AI.
” If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
I am just adding a few bullet points, though engineers hate bullet points :
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Seek opportunities to learn from others; find environments that challenge you and foster growth.
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Emphasize humility and relinquish ego while maintaining self-respect. Confidence paired with humility is crucial for effective collaboration.
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Listen actively and avoid jumping to conclusions. Offer input only after fully understanding others’ perspectives. Respecting others’ opinions and focus is essential for productive communication.
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View your coworkers as teammates rather than confidants. It’s important to keep personal matters private and establish clear boundaries, even with close friends. By maintaining this distinction between work interactions and personal relationships, you can foster a more professional and productive environment
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Respond promptly to emails and messages to show respect for others’ time. Clear and timely communication builds trust and enhances efficiency.
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Keep your team informed about your progress, even if there’s no visible advancement. Regular updates show responsibility and help leaders support your work.
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Reserve work hours strictly for professional tasks. Personal matters should only intrude when necessary.
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Ensure a healthy work-life balance. When possible, keep office work within office hours. Time away from work is essential for mental well-being and sustained productivity.
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Value different viewpoints, and if you disagree, explain your perspective respectfully. Constructive discussions make teams stronger.
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Invest time in self-improvement and staying informed about industry trends and technologies; a commitment to learning makes you a valuable asset.
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Respect the team culture on work hours, and strive to start and end your day on time. This shows reliability and respect for team norms.
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These principles encourage a respectful, growth-oriented, and productive team environment. Let me know if there’s anything more to add!
Read more: Revisiting Memory Lane: Growth and Effective Teamwork