DEV Community: Lidia Frias

“Managing up”: Developing your influence power

Lidia Frias — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:35:44 +0000

Interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in the workplace, but we often relegate them to the background. However, cultivating these relationships can be essential for solving problems, optimizing processes, achieving goals and advancing in your professional career.

Establishing a healthy relationship with your manager may be key to unlock projects, improve work efficiency and increase your promotion opportunities within the company. A well-executed management process is ultimately a process to create a good connection with your managers.

So, what is Managing up?

Managing up is the process of working and communicating effectively with your manager to achieve shared goals. It is based on employees having a clear understanding of the manager’s priorities and work style, enabling them to adapt to their way of working and solve any problems that may arise. The objective is to maintain one’s job in the company and even climb through the organizational chart.

Managing up is not about trying to change the behaviour of your manager to do what you want to achieve your personal success, but it helps you, by using soft skills, get your best as an employee and as a potential leader.

When carried out effectively, Managing up facilitates daily work for both you and your manager, while also easing your team workload.

The success of a company depends not only on its technical capability but also on the quality of relationships among its employees. If these relationships are negative, even the most talented professionals may feel discouraged from joining a project they consider unhealthy.

In this article, we will explore how you can effectively manage your time and why practicing this concept is so important. Some key skills of a good manager can be applied in the context of Managing up:

Empathy
Same as managers invest time in getting to know and understand each team member, team members should similarly, by using Managing up, understand their manager’s objectives, show empathy for their experiences and celebrate their achievements.

Development and growth
A good manager facilitates the growth of each team member. When asked how your manager can help you in the development of your career, be honest, tell them what you really need. Identify your strengths and also your improvement points. Companies hire based on attitude, because skills can be learned.

Remember that your manager’s success also contributes to your own professional growth. Managing up is not about doing your manager’s job, but about your ability to communicate your value and report on key achievements to those above you. When leaders realize that you are contributing to the organization, you will be rewarded. Professionals who manage it correctly will progress faster.

A very easy way to add value to yourself is to ask for feedback regarding your performance. Asking for feedback is truly a good practice for your continuous improvement because everybody is seeking their own ways to enhance their personal and professional skills. You can also add value with priceless actions such as being punctual, patient, polite and saying good morning.

Effective communication
Learn and adapt your communication style to that of your manager, having a clear and regular communication with them. This communication involves negotiation, providing feedback and setting expectations. It is a bidirectional communication, providing information and asking specific questions. An employee who has everything under control, proactively keeps their manager informed and seeks guidance, will often find more growth and autonomy.

Resilience
Stay calm and be proactive. Always offer your help to show commitment with both your manager and team. Build your ability to handle change, exercise empathy and solve problems quickly. Anticipate to avoid surprises. This increased adaptability, understanding of others’ needs and a healthy relationship will ensure that your voice is heard.

Equity and justice
All team members should be treated fairly and provided with equitable opportunities to grow and develop. Managing up means being a change agent who seeks for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Recognition
Managers recognition of their team members helps them feel valued and motivated. Likewise, it is important for your manager to feel valued and recognized by others, including yourself.

Results and goals orientation
Pursue to achieve established goals by anticipating to your manager’s needs and thus helping them achieve theirs. The intention should be seen as becoming a partner in your manager’s success and supporting them on their journeys as well. It is not about assuming responsibility for your manager’s role, but about seeking to lighten your manager’s load. The goal is that the more you understand your manager’s goals, the more they are to succeed.

Technical capability
Sharing your technical knowledge and skills with your manager may be seen as great value to the team and the success of the project. Supporting project needs (new tools, technologies, frameworks, etc.) show your commitment to continuous improvement and your willingness to contribute to your team’s growth and efficiency.

Managing up is a fundamental skill that not only strengthens workplace relationships but also drives individual professional growth and contributes to the overall success of the team. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive attitude, you are taking solid steps towards your professional goals and creating a more collaborative and effective work environment for everyone.

Are you ready to apply these Managing up strategies to your professional career?

Elevate Your LinkedIn Profile: Tips for Junior Professionals

Lidia Frias — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 18:17:18 +0000

As part of my commitment as a mentor in projects like Step4ward and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, I have had the honor of providing guidance and support to junior individuals seeking career reorientation to reach their maximum professional potential. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to mentor students from master’s programs, offering them advice and guidance. Among the tasks I undertake in mentoring sessions, one of the key areas we focus on is improving their LinkedIn profiles to stand out in the competitive job market. This is why I have decided to create a post with some relevant points that arise from these sessions.

Drawing from my own experience in job hunting, conversations with recruiter friends, and valuable feedback received during my interview period, I have compiled this list of recommendations. While I acknowledge that each professional journey is unique and these suggestions may not universally apply, I hope they prove helpful to those seeking their first job as a junior professional. My aim is to provide a practical guide that can help maximize opportunities and showcase the potential of each individual on the LinkedIn platform. I hope this list proves beneficial and contributes to the success of those who use it, and please do not hesitate to share any additional tips in the comments!

Profile Picture :

Your profile picture is a crucial part of your LinkedIn presence, as it’s the first thing other users will see when interacting with your profile. It’s essential to use a recent photo where you appear alone and with an appropriate expression. Avoid cropped photos or those with other people, as they can distract viewers. Also, ensure that your face occupies more than half of the picture and is shown from the shoulders up. Choose a facial expression that reflects professionalism and confidence. Regarding attire, opt for clothing suitable for a job interview, conveying seriousness and responsibility. Look for a simple background that doesn’t compete with your face and expression, making them the focal point of the image. Remember that a professional profile picture can make a difference in the first impression you create with recruiters and networking contacts.
About Me :

Include an “About Me” section that provides a concise and compelling summary of your professional background, objectives, and distinctive skills. This section offers an invaluable opportunity to convey your personality, passion, and unique value to the professional and networking environment.
Keywords :

Maximize profile visibility by including relevant and varied keywords in the title and description of each experience, education, or project. Like in a resume, using precise and specific language increases the chances of your profile being found by recruiters and other relevant professionals.
Relevant Skills :

Highlighting the right skills is essential for capturing recruiters’ attention and increasing visibility on the platform. When selecting skills, it’s crucial to prioritize those most in demand or relevant to your professional profile. Organize them strategically, placing the most relevant ones at the top. This will facilitate recruiters’ searches and optimize the matching of sought-after skills in each job offer, as well as improve the job recommendation algorithm.
Experience and Relevance :

Although direct work experience may be limited as a junior professional, highlighting any previous experience that provides transferable skills is essential. Even seemingly unrelated roles can provide valuable soft skills. When presenting this experience, it’s advisable to contextualize it in terms of personal and professional development, emphasizing the acquired competencies and their applicability in diverse work environments.
Projects and Education :

Given the lack of conventional work experience, it’s essential to highlight projects undertaken during education, whether in educational programs or other relevant contexts. Providing specific details about the projects, including links, screenshots, and technologies used, allows you to demonstrate practical skills and technical competencies tangibly. LinkedIn offers the option to highlight specific projects, which is a valuable opportunity to showcase your work and connect with people who have collaborated on those projects.
Recommendations and References :

Leveraging the recommendation feature on LinkedIn is an effective strategy for supporting the credibility and professionalism of your profile. Requesting and providing recommendations from professors, former university classmates, bootcamp or master colleagues, and other relevant contacts can create a positive impression and offer additional validation of your skills and capabilities.
Language Proficiency :

Including language proficiency levels is important to ensure profile integrity and transparency. Proficiency in English, in particular, is highly valued in many professional environments and can significantly expand job and networking opportunities.
Participation in Mentoring or Learning Programs :

If you have participated in mentoring or internship programs, include them on your profile. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your willingness to receive guidance and grow professionally.
Volunteering and Social Impact Projects :

If you have participated in volunteering activities or social impact projects related to your field of study or professional interest, include them on your profile. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to the community and your ability to apply your skills meaningfully.
Flexible Location :

If you reside in a small town or village, consider including the province in your location instead of specifying the exact city. This can expand your reach and receive more job offers, as your profile will be visible to employers looking for candidates in that wider geographic area. At the same time, by avoiding specifying a small town or village, you may reduce the chance of being prematurely dismissed by location-based automatic filters. It’s a way to keep your profile competitive and open to a variety of job opportunities in your region.

By implementing these recommendations, I hope you can enhance your LinkedIn profile and unlock new opportunities in your professional journey. Do you have any additional tips that have worked for you? Feel free to share them in the comments below so we can continue learning together! Thank you for reading, and best of luck in your professional endeavors!

2024 Goal: Advancing my Career as a Developer through Reading

Lidia Frias — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:02:23 +0000

As a developer, I am constantly seeking to enhance my skills and knowledge. This year, one of my major goals is to delve into relevant technical books. After extensive research and discussions with industry experts, I’ve compiled a list of must-reads for those aiming to improve their technical abilities and understanding of software development.

These books not only provide foundational knowledge but also offer valuable insights, proven strategies, and guiding principles to excel in the field of development. I firmly believe that investing in knowledge acquisition is key to evolving in our industry.

Here’s the carefully curated list that can guide and transform your path as a developer:

”Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin (Uncle Bob)
“ Clean Architecture” by Robert C. Martin (Uncle Bob)
” Software Craftsman Professionalism Pragmatism” by Sandro Mancuso
” Domain-Driven Design Distilled ” by Vaughn Vernon
” A Philosophy of Software Design ” by John Ousterhout
” TDD by Example ” by Kent Beck
” Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software ” by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, John Vlissides (commonly known as the ‘Gang of Four’)
” The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win ” by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, George Spafford
” The Unicorn Project: A Novel about Developers, Digital Disruption, and Thriving in the Age of Data ” by Gene Kim
” Practical Object-Oriented Design: An Agile Primer Using Ruby ” by Sandi Metz
” The Art of Computer Programming, Volume 1, Fascicle 1: MMIX — A RISC Computer for the New Millennium ” by Donald E. Knuth
”99 Bottles” by Sandi Metz, Katrina Owen
” Serverless Development on AWS: Building Enterprise-Scale Serverless Solutions ” by Peter Sbarski
”The Pragmatic Programmer: Your journey to mastery ” by Andrew Hunt, David Thomas
”The Staff Engineer’s Path: A Guide For Individual Contributors Navigating Growth and Change” by Tanya Reilly
“Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems” by Martin Kleppmann

Each of these books offers a unique and valuable perspective on key areas of software development. My aim is to immerse myself in these readings to enrich my knowledge, enhance my skills, and apply what I learn in my daily work as a developer.

Furthermore, I commit to continually working on this list and updating it with new and interesting readings I discover. Do you have any essential books that you believe shouldn’t be overlooked? Drop your suggestions in the comments to continue expanding our knowledge and professional growth together!

Join me on this journey towards growth and excellence in programming! And what about you? What are your goals for this new year that contribute to improving your career?

No (IA) news, (no) good news

Lidia Frias — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 21:28:12 +0000

No (AI) news, (no) good news

After my visit to Web Summit a couple of weeks ago, one of the world’s leading technology conferences held in Lisbon, I was surprised by the prominent presence of artificial intelligence in all the discussions. This theme dominated the event’s agenda, discussing its future, training, responsibility, and multiple applications. Upon returning from the conference with the intention of delving deeper into this topic, I encountered a surprise. The universe put before me the most compelling tech drama that could happen at this moment in the tech universe.

Two days after the conference’s closure on November 17th, during an investment round, Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI, named Forbes’ first under-30 investor in 2015 and the founder of companies such as Airbnb, Reddit, Pinterest and Stripe, was dismissed. This dismissal stirred a commotion on social media. Meanwhile, Microsoft, holding 49% of OpenAI after its $10 billion investment, took advantage of the situation by hiring Altman as the leader of its artificial intelligence division, alongside Greg Brockman, also a founder and former president of OpenAI, who resigned following Altman’s departure. The response from 95% of the company’s employees was a petition demanding Altman’s reinstatement, threatening to resign if it wasn’t enacted.

Rumors and speculations quickly multiplied. OpenAI, a company known for its non-profit interests and prioritization of its original mission to prevent technology from falling into the wrong hands, where its executives couldn’t have economic interests in the new society to avoid influencing decisions. Rumors suggested Altman hadn’t been truthful in his communications with the board, affecting his ability to carry out his responsibilities, or that he might have been negotiating with Microsoft behind the board’s back for a larger stake. It appears that both Altman and Brockman wanted to rapidly advance the deployment of this technology, despite the risks involved. However, the board, with a more philanthropic focus, advocated for a more conservative and less aggressive path based on ethics and security.

This internal struggle of ethical interests revolved around project Q*, a technology with superhuman capabilities for solving mathematical problems known as AGI. The implications of its development could be disastrous for society, leading to differences in how to approach the regulation of artificial Intelligence.

Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and board member, seemingly a supporter of Altman’s dismissal, warned of the risks this could entail. However, hours later, Sutskever apologized and signed the joint statement with the rest of his colleagues for Altman’s return. As if this weren’t enough, Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University and former Secretary of the Treasury during the Clinton administration, who had gone viral in the past for suggesting that women had an innate inferior capacity for science and mathematics, joined the team. Bret Taylor, known for his work at Google in mapping technology and as CTO of Facebook, and the aforementioned colleague of Saltman, Greg Brockman, also joined.

On November 21st, Saltman announced his return to OpenAI as if nothing had happened and everything had returned to normal. The latest news is that OpenAI agreed to acquire artificial intelligence chips from the startup Rain for $51 million. Altman also invested in Rain, which develops neuromorphic chips that mimic the characteristics of the human brain. However, Altman’s situation has raised concerns about other potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, Rain faces challenges, such as the need to sell a stake due to national security concerns, which could delay chip delivery to OpenAI. Altman has also explored the possibility of starting a new chip company to diversify offerings in the artificial intelligence market.

These past two weeks have witnessed a remarkable shift in OpenAI’s direction, moving away from its initial philanthropic and ethical approach to enter a business-oriented path. OpenAI’s proximity to Microsoft has revealed its vulnerability, as mentioned by Alex Kantrowitz, founder of the Big Technology Podcast, in one of his talks at Web Summit about AI predictions.

We’ll be watching the next chapters of this exciting development, hoping that the decisions made by its revamped leadership are the right ones.

The Junior’s Survival Kit: Tips for Successfully Mastering the Change

Lidia Frias — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:30:14 +0000

Do you remember that iconic scene from ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ where Harrison Ford finds himself on the edge of an abyss? The maps indicated that it was the path to the Holy Grail, but when he reaches the edge, there is no bridge to cross, and he has no way forward. In that moment, he recalls the phrase:

‘Only the one who leaps from the lion’s head will prove his worth’

and says,

‘Impossible, no one could jump this.’

Nevertheless, he decides to trust himself, takes that first step, and discovers an invisible bridge that he couldn’t initially see from his perspective.

This scene is more than an exciting cinematic feat; it’s a powerful metaphor.

That ‘invisible bridge’ perfectly describes my experience, that of a junior after a complete 360-degree change in the field who has to navigate a completely unknown path. This bridge is a journey that requires balance, patience, courage, and a resilient mindset.

In this article, with my experience, my mistakes, and my successes, I will provide you with a ‘Junior’s Survival Kit’ loaded with tips and tricks to move forward with confidence and overcome the challenges you will face on your journey into the unknown.

Onboarding

You have already passed the interview stage, and you are in. It’s common to enter a new company with high expectations and hopes of making an immediate impact. However, the reality is that, in many cases, entering a new company can be challenging. The adaptation process, known as ‘onboarding,’ is not always ideal; it is often limited or even nonexistent, and you may find yourself struggling with the lack of clear documentation or resources. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t receive the perfect introduction; instead, maintain a patient attitude and be willing to learn as you go along.

One key element in adapting as quickly as possible is to find a ‘buddy’ or a colleague who can guide you within the company. This person can help clarify your doubts, provide practical advice, and offer the support you need to gain confidence in your new environment. Don’t be shy; making that initial contact will be crucial in your early days at the company.

After the onboarding process, your expectations may or may not have been met. However, in the first few months, drawing a definitive conclusion is premature. You should consider this change as a long-term investment. You will not only adapt to a new project but also to the people and policies of the company, which you will gradually discover as you encounter various situations. It is essential to give yourself and others time.

Company

Take your time to thoroughly analyze the company’s situation; this is crucial when entering a new work environment. This will give you the ability to thoroughly investigate the organization and the individuals involved, empowering you to make informed decisions and establish meaningful connections from the beginning of your career.

Be participative and show interest in all proposals and projects that arise. To build connections, an effective practice is to add your coworkers on LinkedIn, allowing you to learn about their roles and lay the groundwork for future interactions. It is crucial to display a high level of participation, whether you work remotely or in the office. In meetings, be sure to activate your camera in video conferences. This small gesture not only demonstrates your commitment but also helps you stand out and create a stronger presence within the organization.

Look into the training and education options offered by the company to acquire new skills that will benefit you in the future. Online courses, books, workshops, conferences, and certifications can be your allies.

Project

In addition to getting to know the company, it is also essential to thoroughly research the context of the new field you are entering. Understand the trends, opportunities, and challenges. Remember that knowledge is power.

You may have joined a project that has likely passed through various hands and may initially seem overwhelming, especially as a junior with limited knowledge. Focus on understanding the tools, break the project into smaller parts, and creating diagrams or flowcharts may help you better understand its architecture.

After onboarding, contributing to the core of the project is essential. It is normal not to understand anything at the beginning or to know where everything is. As you become involved in smaller parts of the project, you will start to navigate it more effectively.

You must maintain a learning mindset and not be afraid to make mistakes because they are opportunities to learn and grow. The more you make mistakes, the more you will learn. Risk is part of the process, and it will show others your commitment to the project’s development.

Manager

Cultivate a strong relationship with your manager. There is no one better than your supervisor to guide you in your career. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or discomfort you have, whether technical or personal, as it is better to resolve them immediately to keep your motivation at its peak. This will also help your manager understand your current state and treat you more effectively. Managers often have busy schedules, so if they don’t propose it, suggest regular communication, even if it’s a quick call. Continuous communication and feedback are essential at this stage.

It is beneficial to work with your manager to create a roadmap outlining the steps to follow, the goals to achieve, and the expectations they have of you. This way, you can achieve the mastery necessary, as the steps will be broken down and more manageable than just aiming for a distant goal.

The Team

When entering a company, we often focus only on the technical aspects, but not everything is technical, and human connections are much more important, especially in the beginning, as these are the people who will teach you how the business works.

Getting along with your colleagues is not something that happens immediately. Don’t get frustrated if you feel like you don’t fit in at first. Just as it happens in life, relationships and trust are built over time, so don’t expect to fit in perfectly from the start. Be patient with yourself and your colleagues; seize every opportunity to get to know and understand them better. It is important to have an empathetic, receptive, and proactive attitude.

Don’t compare yourself to your teammates. Each person is at a different stage in their career. Instead of comparing, admire their achievements and use their knowledge as inspiration to achieve the mastery they possess. They are your role models, not your competition; rely on them whenever needed.

Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is a common feeling that affects people in the early stages of a career change as well as those with more experience. It is characterized by self-doubt and the constant fear of being exposed as less competent than others believe. This insecurity is not directly related to work experience but rather to personal perception and self-esteem.

From my experience, I can say that uncertainty is the best ally of this syndrome. To counter it, it is essential to set realistic goals and recognize your achievements, however small they may seem. Seeking and receiving feedback is crucial. Having feedback from both your manager and your colleagues will provide a clear understanding of your performance, dispelling doubts and eliminating much of the uncertainty. Don’t hesitate to create a list of your achievements and successes to boost your confidence when needed.

You don’t have to know everything

After onboarding, achieving continuous development is crucial. At this point, you will begin to understand how things work, but you may not have mastered them yet.

It is normal to be afraid that your colleagues might think you don’t know something, but it is better to have the fear that they might confirm it in the future. So, don’t hold back your questions; it’s one of the best soft skills you can have.

If you feel like you’re asking too many questions, it’s best to give feedback to the person helping you and make them understand that the time they are dedicating is essential to you, rather than just saying a simple thank you.

Remember that in this field, you will never stop learning, and the more you know, the more you will realize new gaps in your knowledge. Keep in mind that in this sector, regardless of experience, you need to keep learning all the time.

Do not be afraid to ask: Your voice matters

Do not expect immediate results. Patience and persistence are essential on this transformational journey. Don’t be ashamed to voice your opinion. Many people tend to show off to demonstrate how much they know, but this is a mistake and comes off as arrogance. Instead, contribute to learning and also measure how well you are assimilating the concepts. You also have things to offer.

A trick to avoid this is to phrase everything as questions instead of using statements for all your ideas. This adds humility and exposure but also proactiveness in sharing, something that will likely be viewed positively.

Build a network of contacts

Relationships are key in any industry, but even more so in industries where many people work remotely or where things evolve rapidly. Connect with professionals in the new sector, attend networking events, and use online platforms and communities to expand your network. This will help you see that you are not alone, that many people are going through the same process as you, and to stay updated on the sector’s evolution. Remember that information is power. Be generous, and do not be afraid to ask for help. This will help you grow both as a professional and as a person.

Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date. Often, when we find a job, we tend to forget about our LinkedIn profile because we no longer need it for job hunting. However, this is not the case; you now need it to stay on the radar so your colleagues outside your team can locate you and stay updated on what is happening outside. Give it some attention, make detailed improvements, and update it with information about your new roles, which will also help your career.

Is there no one to mentor you? False! You have a mentor named ChatGPT

Often, junior professionals face a lack of a mentor in their careers, which can leave them feeling lost or disoriented in their development. However, you are not alone in this journey. Even if you don’t have a human mentor, you have access to valuable resources like artificial intelligence. ChatGPT is here to provide guidance, tips, examples, and answers to your questions, helping you navigate the challenges of your new career and move forward with confidence. This virtual guide may not always provide the best solutions, but it can be a significant source of support. Don’t be afraid to ask anything.

Nevertheless, if you feel the need for a human mentor and don’t have access to one within your company, don’t hesitate to seek one outside. There are many people out there willing to help in the community we mentioned earlier. You are not alone on this journey, and there are resources available to you, both in the virtual and real world, that can significantly contribute to your professional growth.

In summary, the junior’s journey is an exciting challenge filled with learning opportunities. Throughout this article, I have shared tips and strategies based on my own experience to help you overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence. Whether you have a human mentor or not, remember that you have valuable resources available to provide guidance and answers to your questions. In this thrilling journey into the unknown, adaptability, patience, and a continuous learning mindset are your best allies. So go ahead, take that first step, and trust in yourself. Don’t hesitate to explore, learn from your mistakes, and build meaningful connections with those around you. You have the power to overcome any challenge and achieve your goals. Your success in this new career is within your reach, so keep moving forward and never stop learning.