A bit off topic, but I think it would be very interesting to learn more about how each of us work. I’ve always been a fan of the Lifehacker series, “How do you work?” because I always learn about a new piece of software or an idea that helps me be more productive. I thought I’d share how I work and invite you to share by replying to this post. Don’t feel you have to follow this format, feel free to make up your own.
Location: Chandler, AZ
Current Gig: Advanced Support Community, PM
One sentence that best describes how you work: Constantly multitasking while wishing I could actually multitask.
Current mobile device: Google Nexus 6P
Current computer: Dell XPS and an old Thinkpad
Tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are today.
Born in Louisiana and educated at ULM. I’ve always been interested in software and beautiful software design. Both of my parents are successful entrepreneurs. I moved to Arizona in 2006 and landed a job with a new, up-and-coming company called, Infusionsoft.
What apps, software, or tools can’t you live without?
In order…
- Snagit
- Grammarly
- Infusionsoft
- Google Docs/Sheets/Slides
- Slack
- JIRA
- Confluence
- Wireframe.cc
- JsFiddle
- Lucidchart
What’s your workspace setup like?
Just a desk in an open floor plan. I work from home as well.
What’s your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Turn off desktop email notifications! Only check email a few times per day. Don’t get distracted with popups every few minutes…and don’t distract others when giving a presentation with your email notifications.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
Trello.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? What’s your secret?
Adaptability. You don’t last at a tech company for 10+ years without being able to adapt to new technolgies and ideas.
What do you listen to while you work? Got a favorite playlist? Maybe talk radio? Or do you prefer silence?
80’s and 90’s on occasion. I mostly stick my noise-cancelling earbuds in and mute the world.
What are you currently reading? Or what’s something you’d recommend?
I read and write a lot of technical how-tos, so I usually read fiction to let my mind dream. Stephen King and the late Robert Jordan are my favorite authors.
How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Play video games, watch Twitch and read.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss things; small minds discuss people. Sometimes it’s a struggle just to be average - I added the last part