10 lessons I've learnt in my first year with Airbnb

On the 3rd of December 2018 I started my first day with Airbnb, and on my first anniversary with this amazing company, I thought I'd look back and reflect on some of the lessons I've learnt so far.

1. Don't be afraid to take risks - When I came to Airbnb, it was originally on a four week contract. I had been working on contracts for a little while, and even though I had no guarantee of a full time role, I took a chance to see where it might lead. Through multiple extensions, my contract ended up being nine months long, and eventually, lead to a full-time role with my team.

2. Always respect those you work with - Before I began working with Airbnb, I was still on contract with another company, who I really enjoyed working for. When I told them of the opportunity with Airbnb, they encouraged me to take the chance, even though I would be cutting my contract with them short. This is something I've taken with me to Airbnb, always respecting those I work with, and I've always received amazing support as a result.

3. Own up to your mistakes - Mistakes happen. This is an unavoidable fact of life. Whether they're big, or small, it's important to own up to your mistakes and be accountable for them. Sometimes, it can be hard to recognise your mistakes, but the only way we can grow in our work, and do better, is by learning from them. This is something that the company takes very seriously, and encourages in all employees.

4. Always ask for feedback - Similar to the last point, one thing I've learnt with Airbnb, is to always ask for feedback. This doesn't always mean your mistakes, sometimes it just means how we can improve in our role, what we should be aware of at the time, and what projects we can work on. This can help improve, not just our work, but the work of teams across the company.

5. Be sure to share any feedback you have - In the past, I've been hesitant to give feedback, afraid it would be seen as criticism of how the team, company or organisation operates. Instead, in Airbnb, I was encouraged to share any feedback I personally had, and how we could improve on our workflows. As a result, I've really felt like I've given back to the company, and that my feedback is taken seriously. Not every piece of feedback I gave resulted in a change, but it did become a conversation of how we can improve our current approach to our work.

6. Find what you love in your work - You're never going to have a job you love 100%, there's always some part of it you're not going to enjoy. Recognise what you do love about your work, and make that a part of your work everyday. One thing I love about my role, other than engaging with people online, is our Airbnb Love program, where we send gifts to hosts or guests to help celebrate their special moments. This has become a highlight of my role here, and something I always love doing.

7. Support the team, and company, whatever way you can - Continuing on from my last point, I recently gave a presentation to my team, explaining how I was able to find so many special moments for the Airbnb Love program. This was originally planned to be a shadowing session with one person, but with some encouragement from a lead, it became a presentation for the whole team. We're always motivated to support one another, and I'm happy to jump at any opportunity to help my fellow employees, whether it's a consult, a project, or whatever they might need.

8. Ask lots of questions - Personally, I could probably ask a million questions if allowed to. It's something I try and avoid, worried I would monopolise my co-workers time, or just annoy them. Instead in Airbnb, I've always been told to keep asking questions, and not be afraid to ask them. This has helped me gain such an insight into everything we do as a company, and given me a great resource of knowledge to use in my day-to-day work.

9. Get Involved - Dublin is one of the largest Airbnb offices, and we're lucky to have so many great initiatives happening every week. I always try to get involved, and encourage others to as well. Whether it's game nights, guest speakers, summer parties or more, I'm always curious to see what's happening each week. I've even brought some of my own photography skills to the events, so I can help showcase what the Dublin office does.

10. Dogs are a great addition to any office - This is an undeniable fact, and one of the best perks the office has to offer.

These are just some of the lessons I've learnt in my first year with the company, and lessons I intend to mindful of in the future. I personally can't wait for the coming months, and hopefully years, with Airbnb, and wherever this role will take me.