2011 - Working on a Fast-paced Workplace
During the year 2011, I worked in one of the most fast-paced workplaces I've worked so far.
First impressions
I switched workplaces from a traditional software development company to work on a digital agency called LV Interativa, everything while I was working as an instructor.
The first thing I noticed that was drastically different, was the fact that you have to provide and receive constant feedback of your work. I was used to having days to draft lessons for a course or a reasonable amount of time to work on a module for a system.
Another thing I noticed was that collaboration between other areas of the company. I got involved in basically all the phases of the project, including for example wire-framing.
Handling multiple projects
My main role was to develop projects in the time range of 3 months, from inception to post-production.
Sometimes, an in-production project would require some attention and context switching was something that used to happen from time to time.
There were moments where it would really affect the development of current in-development projects, but with proper organization and prioritization, we were able to manage that.
Project inception
That was one of the things I most studied and learned at the time. If you have studied about startups, business models, UX patterns and principles, user's behavior, KPIs, you know what I'm talking about.
In this phase of the project I worked directly with design, business, and marketing, so we, together, would come up with better strategies to achieve the desired KPIs and business requirements, with the minimum effort.
I was responsible to bring the technology eye, helping the team to understand what patterns were easier to be developed and where we would be able to reduce costs.
Multidisciplinary
I consider myself a multidiscipline person, and in a fast-paced environment, it really seems to be very relevant. I was helping the team with my vision about technology and studying about business, design, and marketing was some very unique I had the change to do.
One thing that I learned in this position about multidisciplinary was that even if everyone has a voice, you should still have people responsible for each aspect of the project. If everyone is responsible for everything, anyone is in charge of anything.
Clear communication
Another aspect of fast-paced environments is clear communication. You should make sure you are listening properly and have really understood what others wanted to say, and also make sure you are saying what you think about what and how you are doing your work.
There isn't much time to let people figure it out things by themselves. If someone knows something you don't, be clear, direct, and ask for help.
Management is the key
In this company, I had the best manager I have ever had at the time. I learned so much from him. He could keep up with everyone's agenda and really made the difference in having everyone at the same page.
He was also very gentle, always understanding what was blocking people and trying to solve the problems, avoiding unnecessary conflicts and working closely with clients to communication about progress and stats.
Wrapping up
Working in a fast-paced workplace was a really important experience for me. It taught me about the importance of multidisciplinary, clear communication and working with other areas to bring amazing products/projects to live.
Honorable mention to my manager I at this position. A very inspiring professional who really make the difference being able to keep all the plates running.
Regards,
Renan de Azevedo
Updated at 2020/06/26 12:53.