It's really no rocket science. I just:
- Study hard. Back then, BA in computer engineering. Now, everything that needs studying.
- Read from my reader's perspective for everything I write. Code, documentation. All has to be easily understandable.
- Teach others so I can master what I learn.
- Review the code of my colleagues and my consultants.
- Get my code reviewed especially by those who know better than I do.
- Listen carefully to what developers say... to understand what they mean.
- Estimate my work accurately in "Person Days".
- Spend time finding out what others truly need of me.
- Take (financial) responsibility for any wrong estimates.
- Talk specifically instead of vaguely.
- Improve my coding skills daily.
- Improve my communication skills daily.
- Give unrequested, candid feedback to others.
- Request candid feedback from others constantly.
- Constantly look for ways to help others: clients, managers, employees.
- (Human) networking. Tons of that.
- Favor producing over consuming.
- Cut unnecessary distractions, incl. phone, trolls, haters and freebie seekers.
- Honestly say when I suck at something, e.g. 3d modeling.
- Honestly say when I f*ck up something.
- Plan my day, daily.
- Work my plan, daily.
- Feel the fear and code it anyway, e.g. impostor syndrome.
- Build my brand (TheGameDev.Guru) based on my strengths (Optimization).
- Deliver the features people ask for.
- Deliver the features people don't ask for... but need.
- Build long-term relationships with my clients and colleagues.
- Document my work so others can take over it and appreciate the scope of my results.
- Force others to document their work.
- Demand a compensation proportional to the value of my work.
If you want to become part of my Unity team when any opening pops up, apply here.
Ruben (The GameDev Guru)