Real-Life Stories
My students are as busy and distracted as any students, but, when I start to tell a story about my career, they always stop what they're doing and pay attention. Here are the shorthand titles for my real-life stories in the computer software field:
My experiences with...
... Preparation: Superstars prepare more than anyone -- and they make preparation enjoyable!
... Speaking Up: Share what you know to help yourself, your coworkers, and your organization.
... Caring: for my work, my coworkers' work, and the goals of the organization.
... Honesty: Always, always, always.
... Speaking up when you've made a mistake vs holding itside and allowing it to eat yourself up.
... Giving Credit to Others: They deserve it. Credit for success is not a zero-sum game.
... Pacing yourself and not Burning Out: It's a long career so pace yourself for the long haul.
... Continuing Education: Learning doesn't stop when you graduate, your education is just beginning.
... People Skills for Technical People: Everyone has to deal with people. Might as well be good at it.
... Writing and Speaking Skills: Everyone has to write and speak to people. Nobody is a hermit.
... Seeing the Big Picture and where You fit in: Context for your work matters.
... Being Technically Competent is not enough: you have to communicate with your manager and customers.
... How to become more outgoing when you are a shy introvert
And more....
... Preparation: Superstars prepare more than anyone -- and they make preparation enjoyable!
... Speaking Up: Share what you know to help yourself, your coworkers, and your organization.
... Caring: for my work, my coworkers' work, and the goals of the organization.
... Honesty: Always, always, always.
... Speaking up when you've made a mistake vs holding itside and allowing it to eat yourself up.
... Giving Credit to Others: They deserve it. Credit for success is not a zero-sum game.
... Pacing yourself and not Burning Out: It's a long career so pace yourself for the long haul.
... Continuing Education: Learning doesn't stop when you graduate, your education is just beginning.
... People Skills for Technical People: Everyone has to deal with people. Might as well be good at it.
... Writing and Speaking Skills: Everyone has to write and speak to people. Nobody is a hermit.
... Seeing the Big Picture and where You fit in: Context for your work matters.
... Being Technically Competent is not enough: you have to communicate with your manager and customers.
... How to become more outgoing when you are a shy introvert
And more....
Of course I try not to bore my students with stories every class period. I wait until a related topic is being discussed that leads naturally to me telling a story. When the first student rolls their eyes, it's time to stop!
