Michelle Phares

Join algorithms can be used by multiple programming languages. The most important step is first determining what you want the data you are using to do. Then you determine which join algorithm you can use that will output the results you want. It is ok to have a lot of trial and error, especially if you are new to using algorithms/coding. The best advice is to not give up, give yourself a break/step away from the screen, and make sure you notate somewhere what you used before if it didn't work so you can stay focused on solving the problem. It's also ok to 'sleep on it'. Get enough rest so you are fresh when you come back to the problem.

While learning online it's easy to get sucked in and lose track of time, especially if you are really close to a set deadline. Make sure you are taking breaks regularly so you can get away from the screen. Leave the room/take a quick walk/do some stretching. Most importantly, make sure you have water or another liquid (closed lid to keep electronics safe) at your work center so you can stay hydrated. If you are prone to long sessions with very little movement, make sure you have healthy snacks there so you can keep your energy up. Getting into a routine helps make staying healthy easier.

The first step is to make sure each person feels accepted and know they are an important member of the team. Everyone learns differently, the same applies to the different generations that make up today's work force. In order to make as many feel comfortable as possible, determine what ways people learn best: i.e. structured learning, CBTs, interactive/gaming content, or a mixture of these methods. Determine the topics that need to be learned and attempt to offer as many different instruments for the various learners, i.e. CBTs, books, various gamified programs on the internet; maybe using a paid subscription for office use. It may be beneficial for members of each 'instrument' to teach-back what they learned and then have a Q&A session.

Communication is key in monitoring progress. Never assume that not hearing anything from the team is a good thing. (They may be hesitant to tell you they have run into an issue/issues.) In order to not be a micro-manager, set up weekly meetings (multiple per week if needed at first) to gauge progress, address stumbling blocks, or work through issues with meeting the deadline(s). Let the team know that your door is always open; if there's a problem to let you know. Ensure to keep their morale up and "praise in public" those members that are doing a great job. Work towards having the check-in meetings be a positive thing instead of having the team dreading the meetings. Do your best to keep the team moving forward, together with positivity.

Continuous learning is necessary for the health of the team as well as individually. There are many career fields that require continued learning, i.e. IT, Medical, and even Data Science. Offering paid workshops give team mates an opportunity to leave the office for awhile (time to decompress), learn new material, and then bring it back to the team to be used at a later time. Offering team members professional growth opportunities strengthens the worth of the team as well as the individual. A technique I've used is the teach-back. This is when the person coming back from their course/workshop teaches the rest of the team the highlights of what they learned. Everyone wins!

Delegating effectively as a leader takes practice. When you first lead others you want to do a lot yourself. (Like you did when you were a team member. But your mindset needs to change.) This is something that I dealt with; I found it hard to let go of all the tasks and start to give team mates tasking to do to lighten my load. When you are a leader you have other priorities, namely knowing the team, working on their behalf, as well as being a conduit between the team and higher management. Delegating the easier tasks or tasks that someone else can do can easily free up your time as a leader so that you can take care of your team mates. Also, knowing your team is the best way to determine what gets delegated and to whom.