I recently found this article: On Being A Senior Engineer

I really liked it, and will borrow the “bulleted list” of characteristics that I will work towards myself…

• Mature engineers seek out constructive criticism of their designs.
• Mature engineers understand the non-technical areas of how they are perceived.
• Mature engineers do not shy away from making estimates, and are always trying to get better at it.
• Mature engineers have an innate sense of anticipation, even if they don’t know they do.
• Mature engineers understand that not all of their projects are filled with rockstar-on-stage work.
• Mature engineers lift the skills and expertise of those around them.
• Mature engineers make their trade-offs explicit when making judgements and decisions.
• Mature engineers don’t practice CYAE (“Cover Your Ass Engineering”).
• Mature engineers are empathetic.
• They don’t make empty complaints.
• Mature engineers are aware of cognitive biases.

This seems like a good list of ideals to work towards in the new year.