Your work doesn't matter

Input never matters. Outcome does.

Introduction

At my last company, I kept track of the work I did as a Senior Software Engineer..

I don’t just keep track of the work, however.

I keep track of the impact, too.

How did implementing XYZ impact the customers, product or team?

The impact

No one cares about the work. People care about the impact of the work.

This is true whether you want to get promoted or seek your next role.

This is arguably the biggest mistake people make when trying to get promoted.

They highlight their work but forget to mention the impact.

Now, if your manager is nice, they will help you extract the impact of your work to go on advocating why you should get promoted to the people above your manager.

If they aren’t nice, they will push down on the work you did, resulting in no promotion.

It might even be the right decision, considering you haven’t realized it’s the impact of your work that matters, not the work alone.

Example

In my last company, organized our weekly learning session.

Instead of simply saying I organized a weekly learning session, I should say how it affects the team and customers:

• Increases bus factor.

  • Decreases lead time because knowledge spreads across teams.

  • Leads to faster delivery.

  • In the end, results in happier customers.

• People have shown to appreciate it.

  • Got good feedback during the retro perspective.

Focus on the impact.

Showing that you focus on the impact is already a sign of professionalism and a green flag for your next role or promotion.