Michael Clarke

Understanding why is the key to dealing with it. As you demonstrate competence, keep pushing your skills and abilities to meet the standards of the manager. If you get a "Yes, that's good. Go with that." then you know you've got something you can work with. If, on the other hand they seem to mark up your work with grammatical adjustments just to make it different, you have a problem. However, make sure it isn't your own lack of writing skills, as for this example, that is causing the grammatical changes. For example, if you get a response like that, use ChatGPT to check your grammar, just to make sure. Maybe you have something to learn from this person.

Assertiveness is not a universally understood term. According to Wikipedia it is: Assertiveness is the quality of being self-assured and confident without being aggressive to defend a right point of view or a relevant statement. The key term is confident without agressiveness. Confidence comes from deep inside your subconscious. If you are not confident in general, get some help and find out why. If it is confidence in a field of knowledge or skills, then the answer is self-evident. Go research it or practice it. Build a prototype, build a portfolio.

The best opportunities in the enterprise software space often come from personal experience and effective networking. One of my most interesting contracts began at a convention in Las Vegas. While chatting with someone at a networking party about our shared professional experiences, I was invited to call the following week to discuss a potential engagement. Leveraging your previous experience by connecting with others is crucial. Conventions and industry events are prime opportunities to meet other professionals in your field, exchange insights, and uncover new opportunities. Building these connections can open doors to exciting and rewarding projects.

The phrase "in your space time" evokes a chuckle in most developers, but it remains true that you become what you focus on. So, experiment and build prototypes, and a portfolio. Then, it helps to find gigs that will pay you to spend time on novel approaches and learn new ways of thinking.

Sometimes, it is best to observe and gather the facts. Avoid politics and stick to the project's goals and objectives. Be loyal, thoughtful and supportive. Most of all, put your ego in your back pocket and listen.

Here are a few key strategies that I find effective: Over-Communicate: In a remote setting, it's better to err on the side of over-communicating. Utilize Multiple Communication Channels: While emails and messaging apps are great for asynchronous communication, sometimes a phone call or video chat is more effective for resolving misunderstandings or complex discussions. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone. Respect Others' Time and Focus: Be mindful of your team members' schedules and workload. Use tools like shared calendars to schedule meetings at convenient times and avoid unnecessary interruptions.