?? Big Changes - Continuous Improvement
Richard Donovan
Software Engineering Manager @ OVO | Author of The Modern Software Developer newsletter | Mental Health First Aider
Introduction
I’m making big changes. I think you’ll like them.
I’m applying continuous improvement to my newsletter.
Key Takeaway ??
Continuous improvement doesn’t just apply to building software. It applies to everything.
I love having you as a subscriber, and I’m using continuous improvement to bring you more value and save you time.
Here’s how I’ll do it:
Improve my writing:
?? Be more reader-focused,
?? Respect your time,
?? Be more concise.
Increase my frequency (slowly):
?? Have a consistent newsletter template for efficiency and clarity.
?? Fewer words in each issue,
?? Shorter reading time.
Provide more value:
?? Focus on smaller, more diverse topics.
?? Get to the point quicker.
?? Share how you can take action.
??This is a short version of this issue.
You have the 'key takeaway' and 'why it matters'.
To find out more about how I'm applying continuous improvement to my newsletter, check out the full version -->
Why Change?
The Modern Software Developer has been running for over 12 months.
Continuous improvement is part of my DNA as a software developer, so it’s time to extend that to my newsletter.
What Is Continuous Improvement?
Continuous improvement is exactly as it suggests:
Improve something, improve it further and improve it further still…
In software development, it’s the classic feedback loop or iteration.
?? Identify the bug or feature
?? Execute the work
?? Get feedback
?? Repeat (pretty much)
The specific steps can vary, but the premise of continual improvement remains.
You can see it at work during Test Driven Development, too:
RED —> GREEN —> REFACTOR
?? Create a test
?? Write simple code to pass the test
?? Improve the code while still passing the test
You can use this concept to improve anything.
领英推荐
Why It Matters ??
During your software development career, you’ve gained transferable skills.
Continuous improvement is an important one.
It doesn’t just apply to building software. It applies to everything.
? Your Wellbeing
? Your Fitness
? Your Mindset
? Your Health
? Your Education
? Your Hobbies
? Your Relationships
? Your Career
These changes are my way of demonstrating to you that I value the concept of continuous improvement.
I don’t just talk about it…
I embody it.
And it’s not restricted to the world of software, far from it.
Take Action ??
You can apply continuous improvement, too.
Here’s how:
?? Identify something you want to improve, anything…
?? Identify the smallest improvement…
?? Learn how to do it…
?? Practice it…
?? Get feedback / Measure progress…
?? REPEAT…
Start small, get some wins under your belt, and you’ll be amazed at where it leads.
Rich’s Recommendations
I’ll include some recommendations with each new issue.
They’ll combine books, newsletters, people and courses to help you improve your wellbeing, mindset, leadership or tech skills:
?? Neo Kim ’s weekly newsletter to learn system design:
?? John Crickett ’s weekly coding challenge to help software engineers level up:
?? Gregor Ojstersek ’s weekly newsletter for becoming a great engineering leader:
Closing
You can apply continuous improvement to all aspects of life, not just software development
Continuous improvement:
? Keeps you motivated
? Keeps things manageable
? Provides a sense of achievement
Remember
There’s nothing more important than your own wellbeing.
"Co-Founder at Sussex Staffing Solutions | Innovative Recruitment Solutions for Leadership and Management Roles | AI-Driven Talent Acquisition"
1 年Nice job on the newsletter! Continuous improvement is essential in all areas. ????
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer
1 年Thanks for Sharing.
I help .NET developers advance their careers by mastering the latest tech and industry best practices.
1 年Damn, that newsletter was ?? I just subscribed, don’t know why I haven’t been subscribed earlier. Thanks for book recommendations on writing. Tip: For better grammar while writing online I use grammarly.
CTO | Founder of Engineering Leadership newsletter (120k+ subscribers) - Helping you become a great engineering leader!
1 年Definitely. If we are not improving, we are stagnating!
Software Engineer @ Amazon | Author of "Build Tech Career" - a newsletter for practical, real-world insights from 10+ years as an engineer
1 年Done is better than perfect. Improve along the way. Enjoy your newsletters, looking forward to read more!