dsdunn_prof_development.md

Reflection on article: 29 Behaviors That Will Make You an Unstoppable Programmer

Three behaviors that resonated with me most:

• Move Fast and Break Things! I belive that you cant let fear of failure or being less than perfect hold you back. It's important to give your best effort and keep moving forward, without getting hung up on doubts or every little detail.
• Take responsibility for your mistakes! This one resonates because my Grandpa always used to say: "Admit your mistakes and don't bitch when it's your turn to pick up the tab..." Humility and honesty are especially important when working with a team. People will respect when you own up to your mess up, and are much more likely to help you fix the problem if you have the right attitude.
• Absorb massive criticism with ease! Being open to criticism is crucial to learning. You can't take everything personally, and every failure is an oportunity for growth.

Reflection on Atul Gawande interview and Checklists:

Organizational tools like checklists are helpful and sometimes very necessary in managing tasks and time. Having or making a checklist break larger, more complex problems into smaller, more managable increments. As a student or a professional developer, staying organized and keeping track of progress is crucial, especially with tackling complex problems. Checking off list items also leads to a feeling of accomplishment and can aid motivation as you look back at progress you've made.

Reflection on Strengths-based development:

Strengths-based development seems like a good way to empower people, and to motivate them to excel at work. Also, creating a positive work environment and building effective teams look to be goals of this approach. I'm curious as to what the test looks like and how it is implemented in the real world. When tasked with identifying my own strengths, I think of my people skills and my go-getter attitude. I see evidence for this in my ability to maintain good relationships with people I work with and earning my superiors' trust in my judgement. I hope to build on these strengths getting into a tech career by embracing the learning process, being open about what I know and dont know, and striving to grow as a valuable team member.