Unlocking Success: Daily Habits of Senior Engineers
Written on
Daily Practices of Senior Engineers
Many developers wish they had discovered effective techniques earlier in their careers. By implementing these habits consistently, you can make a significant impact within your team and build a foundation for creating real value as a software developer.
The Varied Workflows of Senior Engineers
Senior engineers come in many forms, each with their own unique workflow. For instance, one colleague prefers to have food-related YouTube videos running in the background while coding, while another thrives in a minimalist environment with a clean desk and noise-canceling headphones. These diverse approaches highlight that there isn't a one-size-fits-all method for success in software engineering.
Key Habit 1: Note-Taking
One common trait among top engineers is their commitment to note-taking. Whether they utilize advanced tools like Notion or simple text files, effective engineers make it a point to jot down:
- Questions they have
- Insights they gain
- Key data they come across
- Follow-up tasks
It’s impossible to remember every detail, and even the best engineers recognize this. Start incorporating note-taking into your routine; it can be straightforward initially, leading to more sophisticated personal knowledge management techniques in the future.
Key Habit 2: Shortening Feedback Loops
Software development hinges on feedback. Whether you’re making code changes, debugging, or launching a product, quick feedback is crucial. The most proficient engineers are dedicated to minimizing feedback time. They prioritize:
- Fast tests that provide immediate feedback on code changes
- Frequent commits and test runs
- Automating feedback processes with scripts that load data, execute code, and report errors
These scripts often become the foundation for new tests. Great engineers also know how to launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and actively seek feedback throughout the development process—from design and code reviews to product launches and user engagement.
Key Habit 3: Prioritization
As engineers rise in their careers, they face increased responsibilities. Senior engineers often juggle multiple demands, making prioritization essential. They must consider:
- Immediate tasks versus those that can wait
- Managing meetings and schedules to focus on critical issues
- Navigating organizational politics to align their objectives with team and company needs
While these decisions can be challenging, successful engineers cultivate the habit of prioritizing effectively, ensuring they dedicate time to what truly matters.
Key Habit 4: Inquisitiveness
Top engineers frequently ask "why." This question allows them to dissect new ideas and challenge underlying assumptions. When faced with feature requests from sales or customer-facing teams, asking "why" uncovers essential use cases and eliminates unnecessary features. Similarly, when troubleshooting code, the habit of inquiry helps them identify gaps in their understanding.
Key Habit 5: Beyond Engineering
While technical expertise is vital, the best engineers understand their broader role in delivering value to the organization. They often seek valuable problems beyond their immediate engineering team, engaging with product, sales, and customer service teams to better understand user needs. By fostering connections across departments, they help bridge gaps and uncover opportunities that benefit the entire organization.
Additional Resources
For further insights into the engineering mindset, enhancing your skills, and adopting a value-driven approach, check out more of my writings on these topics.
This video explores five daily habits that senior developers practice to excel in their roles and contribute effectively to their teams.
This video outlines five key habits of successful software engineers, showcasing the practices that lead to their success in the industry.