2021 was the end of a chapter

As 2021 gets tossed into the bin of history, a newly minted 2022 arrives filled with opportunities. This year was a mixed one, professionally. At the start of the year the team was amongst the strongest group of developers and product people you are likely to come across. We delivered some frankly astounding work that I believe the whole team can be proud of.

The latter half of the year saw the team disassembled as the pandemic impacted our customers and launches were postponed.

What was really heart-warming at that time was that as each team member clambered out of the situational hole we found ourselves in, they turned around to hold out their hand for the next person. Whether it was writing a personal recommendation, connecting people to others in their network, or reviewing CVs, there was a real sense of community. We knew we had built a great team when we saw how well they treated each other when things got tough.

As the water-level dropped, we used the opportunity to find and remove rocks and it has been an enlightening experience applying some familiar lean techniques that allowed our now-small team to apply great leverage. We have increased our deployment frequency and reduced the amount of time work is sat idle, all without dialling up the delivery pressure.

As the delayed opportunities begin to land, the task of building the team will need to begin once again. This is something I have done a few times now as a development manager / director. This feels like an easy option for me as I have plenty of experience doing this. However, repeating easy things doesn't help you grow, so a new challenge is needed to ensure I keep learning, keep growing, and remain humble (audience laughs).

Using the wise words of Greenday:

Another turning point,

a fork stuck in the road

Time grabs you by the wrist,

directs you where to go

So make the best of this test

and don't ask why

It's not a question,

but a lesson learned in time

It's something unpredictable,

but in the end is right

I hope you had the time of your life!

So, in 2022 I will be leaving behind software delivery and moving into my career as a technical writer for an amazing product company. In previous roles, I had taken the traditional route of scrolling through job boards to see what was on offer. This time, I made a direct approach because I love the company, the product, and the culture. The company is doing truly great work with great focus, and every employee I've spoken has confirmed that the view from the inside is consistent with their excellent reputation.

Here's to never getting comfortable; to learning and growing, and to striding with undeserved confidence into the abyss of the unknown.