Soft Skills Tips

Syntax

In this episode of Syntax, Scott and Wes talk about soft skills tips — productivity, planning, communication, and more.

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Show Notes

2:20 - Productivity

  • Make a todo list and prioritize
  • Get ideas out of your brain
  • Use a tool like Notion as a second brain
  • Batch related things together
  • Recharge when you need it
  • Have a system and stick to it

16:34 - Finishing projects

  • Start
  • Do a little every day
  • Go all-in for a few days
  • Clearly identify what needs to be done (Github issues, todo app)

23:30 - Planning tips

  • I use Mind Node
  • Whimsical
  • Write it down when you have an idea
  • Put everything in a calendar

30:24 - Communication

  • Be honest and upfront with deadlines
  • Give yourself padding — many people are overly optimistic
  • Don’t let people expect communication from you, at all, or at all times
  • Assume good intentions
  • Don’t be a jerk to clients or coworkers

40:28 - Skill and career advancement

  • FDD — fun driven development
  • Share what you learn
  • Don’t let other’s progress get you down — there is always someone smarter doing crazier stuff
  • Solve your own problems
  • Apply and interview for anything that’s interesting
  • Track your progress
  • I want to ___, I wish I could ____, You are lucky that you get to _____
  • Just start! Seriously. Plan on doing something.
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