Are you helping or holding your team back? In this episode, I explore why sharing technical answers with your development team might not be the best way to help them grow. Instead, learn how to use resourceful questions to empower your team members to think critically, solve problems independently, and build long-term confidence. This coaching strategy is rooted in co-active coaching principles and can transform how you mentor junior developers or lead your software team.

Grow Faster in Your Tech Career: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching Join the Thriving Tech Community: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/community

As a tech lead, manager, or mentor, it’s natural to want to provide answers when your team is stuck. But constantly solving problems for them can create dependency and stifle their growth. By shifting from a directive approach to a coaching mindset, you’ll help your team develop essential skills, foster ownership, and reduce your own workload in the long run. In this video, I’ll share practical examples and techniques you can start using today to guide your team effectively without always giving them the solution.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be the “go-to expert” on your team, this episode will challenge that belief and show you a better way to lead. Coaching your team to solve their own problems not only benefits them but also makes you a stronger leader. Watch now to learn how to implement these strategies and take your leadership to the next level!

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:14) 1 Bringing Out The Best in Your Software Team (1:31) 1.1 Solving Problems For People Holds Them Back (2:48) 1.2 Let People Struggle (4:36) 1.3 The Role of Resourceful Questions (11:30) 1.3.1 Examples of Resourceful Questions (11:35) 1.3.1.1 "Have You Broken This Up Into Smaller Pieces?" (12:33) 1.3.1.2 "Have You Really Considered ALL Your Options?" (14:07) 1.3.1.3 "What if I Wasn't Available?" (15:09) 1.4 Shifting From Expert to Coach (22:36) 1.5 The Long-Term Benefits of Coaching (26:16) 2 How To Start Leading Like a Coach (26:48) 2.1 Start Small (28:50) 2.2 You Don't Need Formal Training (29:50) 2.3 Where to Start Coaching (30:02) 2.3.1 Code Reviews (31:08) 2.3.2 Design Reviews  (32:46) 2.3.3 Project Planning (33:30) 2.3.4 Debugging Sessions (34:30) Get Help with Leadership

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Ever had a manager who expects you to be Superman? No matter what you do, they keep asking for "more, more, more." Earlier in my tech career, I thought it was my manager's fault. But when I learned the art of setting healthy boundaries at work, I realized that the power to push back was in my hands.

Grow Faster in Your Tech Career: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching Join the Thriving Tech Community: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/community

In this episode, I’ll share insights gained from working with over 20 software companies as a developer, architect, and management consultant on setting effective boundaries with managers. Getting this right can bring immense peace and prevent burnout. Without clear boundaries, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by unreasonable expectations—and the result is often exhaustion or even job burnout.

Managers often respect employees who assert boundaries more than those who don’t. It may seem counterintuitive, but consider it: would you respect someone who allows themselves to be treated like a doormat?

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:20) Setting Boundaries with Your Manager (1:40) 1 Agree on Responsibilities for Your Role (3:13) 2 Determine Unacceptable Expectations (4:20) 3 Assign Consequences (6:17) 4 Communicate Your Boundaries (8:55) 5 Have a Backup Plan

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Are you a tech professional who feels your creativity is being stifled by corporate culture? In this episode, I explore the impact of corporate culture on creativity in the tech industry. I share my personal journey—from leaving behind my passion for music to embracing programming as a new creative outlet, only to find that corporate constraints in tech began to suppress my creative spirit. 

Grow Faster in Your Tech Career: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching Join the Thriving Tech Community: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/community

I'll delve into how creativity in tech is often threatened by corporate environments that favor predictability over innovation. Discover why expressing creativity is vital for personal fulfillment and how the suppression of creativity can drain your energy. We'll discuss strategies to navigate tech workplace culture and reclaim your creative energy for your personal pursuits.

Join the conversation about creativity suppression in tech. Have you experienced the stifling effects of corporate culture on your creativity? Share your stories and insights in the comments below. Let's work together to keep the flame of innovation alive in tech companies - and our personal lives!

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:11) A Story of Creative Loss and Redemption (3:24) 1 The Unmatched Value of Creativity (3:50) 1.1 Fueling Personal Fulfillment (4:36) 1.2 Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills (5:34) 1.3 Driving Innovation & Growth (6:53) 2 Navigating Corporate Constraints on Creativity (7:21) 2.1 Preference for Predictability (8:31) 2.2 Creatives Seen as Disruptors (9:37) 2.3 Leadership Suppressing Creativity (11:49) 3 Preserving Your Creative Energy (12:14) 3.1 Respect That Creative Energy is Finite (12:38) 3.2 Avoiding Creative Burnout (14:11) 3.3 Allocating Energy to Personal Pursuits

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Is your tech job feeling a little too comfortable? You might be unknowingly putting your career at risk. In the fast-paced world of technology, complacency can lead to career stagnation, limiting your earning potential and jeopardizing your job security.

Grow Faster in Your Tech Career: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching Join the Thriving Tech Community: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/community

In this video, we'll uncover

The Hidden Dangers of Comfort in Tech Jobs - How staying in your comfort zone can make you obsolete in a rapidly evolving industry.

Signs You're Experiencing Career Stagnation - Recognize the red flags that indicate you're not growing professionally.

The Importance of Continuous Skill Development - Why updating your skills is crucial for career advancement and remaining competitive.

Strategies to Overcome Complacency - Practical steps to reignite your passion and drive in your tech career.

Exploring Self-Employment and Tech Consulting - How becoming self-employed or starting a solo venture can enhance your career growth.

Don't let the comfort of today become the regret of tomorrow. It's time to take control and ensure you're not left behind in the ever-changing technology industry.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:29) 1 A Story of Me Getting Trapped  (2:59) The Illusion of Security (5:00) 2 Signs Your Tech Job is Too Comfortable (5:26) 2.1 Lack of Learning (6:18) 2.2 Routine Work with Repetition (7:05) 2.3 No Networking (8:44) 2.4 Content with The Status Quo (9:25) 3 The Consequences of Complacency (9:45) 3.1 Career Stagnation (11:31) 3.2 Job Insecurity (12:12) 3.3 Reduced Earning Potential  (12:30) 3.4 Missed Opportunities (13:19) 4 Solutions for Growth when You've Become Complacent (14:41) 4.1 Continuous Learning (16:50) 4.2 Skills Diversification (18:29) 4.3 Consider Self-Employment Benefits (19:28) Career Compass Tech Career Coaching Package

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What if the real risk isn't leaving your corporate job, but staying in it? If you’re comfortable in your tech job today, layoffs aren’t the only risk you face. The myth of job security is a common cause for staying stuck and growing complacent.

7 years ago my life was turned upside down when I realized for the first time - just how trapped I’d become. I developed chronic insomnia and anxiety, and it eventually emptied my bank account. All because I refused to accept that I’d outgrown working for corporations. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be an entrepreneur or just work solo as a consultant - but I knew I was done with having a boss.

In this episode, I’d like to help you get a sober view at what staying in corporate jobs can cost you. Unfortunately, job security is a myth. I hope this content about overcoming fear of self-employment helps you find the courage to explore more empowering ways of work - if you’ve outgrown the corporate tech job grind.

Whether you want to become an independent software development consultant or start a SaaS (software as a service) business, tech professionals in IT jobs and at software companies don't have to stay chained to their corporate jobs forever. There is no such thing as a "secure job"! But you'll have to step into the unknown waters of being a solopreneur - if you want to experience self-empowerment.

Join my Patreon:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/patreon

Learn about one-on-one career coaching with me: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching

TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/techroles

The Thriving Technologist career guide:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/guide

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:41) 1 The Lie of Corporate Stability (1:55) 1.1 Cognitive Biases (4:40) 1.2 Hidden Risks (6:38) 1.3 Opportunity Costs (9:19) 2 How Self-Employment Can Reduce Risk (9:31) 2.1 Diversify Income Streams (11:34) 2.2 Growth & Adaptability Mindset (16:42) 3 Overcoming Fear of Self-Employment (16:44) 3.1 Challenge Fear of The Unknown (19:31) 3.2 Embrace Risk as Opportunity

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Thinking of quitting the tech industry grind to start a profitable software business yourself? Before you take the plunge, don't make the same mistakes I did!

The secret to finding a profitable software idea, is that it must come from your customers. Unless you know a real pain that people who would use your software are experiencing, you can easily fool yourself into thinking it's good enough to build a software product business on.

In this episode, I share what I've learned about finding real software product ideas. I use a combination of IBISWorld, ChatGPT, and a book by Dane Maxwell to help my software development coaching clients discover software startup ideas.

IBISWorld Businesses  https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/

Start from Zero by Dane Maxwell https://www.amazon.com/Start-Zero-Business-Experience-Freedom/dp/1950367185

Join my Patreon:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/patreon

Learn about one-on-one career coaching with me: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching

TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/techroles

The Thriving Technologist career guide:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/guide

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:42) Finding a Profitable Software Idea (1:54) 1. Select a Customer Market (2:50) 2. Determine How to Contact Customers (4:37) 3. Ask Customers for Their Biggest Problem (6:05) 4. Ask People Who Responded To Meet (7:03) 5. Ask Them 5 Questions (7:15) Make Sure You're On The Same Page (7:29) How Are You Solving It Today? (8:15) What Happens When You Don't Solve This Problem? (8:50) If You Could Wave a Magic Wand, How Would You Solve It? (9:36) Would You Pay for That Solution? How Much? (10:48) Identify Consistent Profitable Problems

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If you've ever been jealous of programmers who seem to write code faster than you - take heart. The myth of the "10x programmer" is misunderstood in many software teams and tech companies.

What's important to companies is NOT that you're actually 10x faster at writing code. It's that you help the company produce features 10 times faster. Wake up call - you're not the only member of the team!

Over my career, I've met software developers who come into companies and write code super fast - but end up slowing the project down. They bossed around the other junior developers and thought they were God's gift to programming. It was a real disaster.

Instead, use these 6 techniques I learned as a software consultant. They'll speed up the project, make you popular on your team, get results for your company - and actually make your tech job easier! Besides, what's more important: that you can write code fast, or that you can avoid writing more code in the first place?

Join my Patreon:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/patreon

Learn about one-on-one career coaching with me: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching

TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/techroles

The Thriving Technologist career guide:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/guide

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:36) 6 Techniques Used By True 10x Programmers (1:50) 1. Technological Empathy (3:29) 2. Negotiate Streamlined Features (5:06) 3. Cross-Technical Insight (7:59) 4. Reject Ambiguity (9:42) 5. Minimize Architectural Complexity (11:53) 6. Document Innovation

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If you've ever been on a software project and you can't get your boss to listen, I've been there. Many of us are technical types, so we often think facts are enough to convince management to support us.

In this episode, I share 4 strategies I've used to actually get your boss to listen. These take some patience, but if you want to see real results - they do work.

No matter what tech job you work on, you'll eventually run into problems that can only be solved if you can win support from management. If you practice these strategies, they can unlock new opportunities in your career that few other professionals in IT ever get to experience.

Join my Patreon:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/patreon

Learn about one-on-one career coaching with me: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching

TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/techroles

The Thriving Technologist career guide:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/guide

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction (1:45) 4 Strategies to Influence Management  (1:58) 1. Frame Your Feedback in Terms of Impact (7:44) 2. Build Allies and Gain Support (10:51) 3. Choose Your Battles Wisely  (12:43) 4. Present Solutions in Steps

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Have you ever felt like your software project was doomed from the start, almost as if it were the plot of a bad movie? Well, if so, you're not alone. I've been through my share of nightmarish projects, but one in particular stands out. It involved shady characters, SWAT teams, and a project that was destined for disaster from the beginning. If you've ever felt like your software project was spiraling out of control, this story might make you feel a little better—or at least a little less alone.

Join my Patreon:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/patreon

Learn about one-on-one career coaching with me: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching

TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/techroles

The Thriving Technologist career guide:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/guide

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(00:00) Introduction (01:40) Part 1: Red Flags (10:44) Part 2: Turning a Blind Eye (17:10) Part 3: S$!t Hits The Fan (24:15) Part 4: The Fallout (30:58) Episode Groove

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LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with people, but it can also cause serious mental health challenges - and even lead to burnout. If you're looking for a job or just trying to find customers, there are some features of LinkedIn that can ruin your personal peace and drive your anxiety through the roof.

In this episode I share some ways I've helped my tech career coaching clients avoid LinkedIn becoming a problem. Most of these center around avoiding comparing yourself to other people. As Gary Vaynerchuk famously recommends, "produce don't consume". If you follow some of the tips in this episode, you'll be able to responsibly use LinkedIn - and not let it use you!

Join my Patreon:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/patreon

Learn about one-on-one career coaching with me: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching

TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/techroles

The Thriving Technologist career guide:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/guide

You can also watch this episode on YouTube. 

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(0:00) Introduction  (1:16) 5 Ways to Keep Calm on LinkedIn (1:38) 1. Avoid Accomplishment Signals (4:08) 2. Use, Don't Consume (7:45) 3. Don't Engage Rage Bait (11:02) 4. Don't Attend Unjustified Meetings (14:19) 5. Keep Your Network Relevant

Visit me at thrivingtechnologist.com