BACon Spring edition 2017

It already became a habit do not wait a lot from conferences. During couple years each conference brought more disappointment rather than knowledge or excitement. So it became batter do not expect much.
This time was usual mood: "Let's see what we'll get on BACon". Skeptical expectation and skeptical mood were broken with speeches and presentations. After the first talk, I was carried out with ideas and thoughts. It was such a  pleasure to open the new point of views and get answers to the questions you were asking all the time.

I used to mark talks which I must or would like to attend and then afterward put marks how it was. And I noticed that not only me who doing this.
Let me share my program after the conference:

As you can see each presentation was useful.

I wish you to find such conferences and enjoy it!

Endless hunger of skills and knowledge

Endless hunger of skills and knowledge - I am curious, is it possible to achieve state when you don't feel this hunger of new skills and new knowledge? I know for sure that it temporary possible, especially after a lot studying. But then again you found yourself looking for new discovery.

Being in the zone - Magic and spells

Today I was reminded about once of my favorite "being in the zone" mood. Also known as flow from positive psychology. I suggest you read about it and experiment. Find your own way of utilizing this knowledge and boost your productivity and happiness.
In my post, I would like to share my experience and thoughts.
Pros:
- hyper-efficient at work, more done with fewer efforts and without quality loss
- increasing self-confidence and happiness
Cons:
- can become addictive, and exhaust yourself

Depending on task to be done, I use the different approach to get into the flow. I read a lot and tried everything that was recommended and assess whether it fit me or not. It practiced a lot of months with breaks and re-thinking. As a result, routine tasks I can combine and do at the same time. New field or complex analysis, I plan for the time when less distraction. Put on my headset and concentrate n task, Sometimes music helps, but other time it better without it.
Try to train to get into the flow within a couple of minutes. For me, it becomes headset, as soon as I put them on I am already there.
It happens that even so nothing works, Go for a walk in the park if possible. Or just re-plan to do task next day.
Be careful do not work all day in the flow. it will dry you to the bottom. Basically, I would recommend having a rest the same time as you spend in the flow. And for rest use some relaxing activities. I prefer to use opposite to task I did. For example, when it was analysis, for rest I would use some art activities: painting, singing, googling kitty photos, play with children, etc.
If you like playing computer games, then I would compare flow with magic. When you apply magic your mana decrease and them you need time to restore it. and if the spell was too strong a lot of mana used within the less period of the time. But time to restore it remains the same.
Have you found your magic spells for getting into the flow?

Procedures and Processes

Tell me, what do you think about procedures and processes.
Are they evil or good?
Do you like them or hate?
What do you think about people that force you to fit some procedures and processes?

I am process person, I like when everything is clear what to do and where to go. Of course, there are some ridiculous or too heavy one. But I am terrified when there is nothing. Let put aside life, it is to complex and worth separate discussion.
Now I want to talk about procedures and processes in the projects and teams at work.

If there is one person, all procedures and processes is self-organisation skills. But when there are two, or more people. Communications and agreements are essentially required. And if more people more differences, it become more and more important to fine common language and habits for work.

I like procedures, and processes which goes align with work itself. when there is no need in extra steps just to fit the process. I would prefer to dig out my favourite tasks rather than write status update email or attend meeting when no value from me and to me.

And I cannot stand for a log time, I start change environment to my vision. That not everybody like. Because effective processes make  you transparent to all, and you cannot hide anymore doing nothing. And what is most incredible "doing nothing" is considered as bad thing, I would argue to it. In analysis, and not only, you need step aside, take time and re-think some ideas. And you should not be afraid to show it.

What does it mean to be a PRO? Thoughts.....

I beleive there are 3 things which make me an expert in a particular subject.

• Knowledge, Practice and Experience

Only being sure in those 3 things, I feel confident in claiming myself as a professional.

Do not having knowledge, only practicing and gaining experience, you can spend ages and never came to the knowledge.
Do not practicing, you will never get an experience and knowledge become obsolete.
Experience it is many hours of practice and knowledge improvement. If you tried once, it is not an experience yet.
Experience and practice will create your skills.

Though, is it enough to claim to be a PRO?  - No! Time is a value! These 3 things should continuously be present in your live. If you stop, day by day you will lose knowledge and skills. Of course next time it will be easier to restore them, but till then are you PRO?

Knowledge, Practice and Experience is my system of axes, where I can build my skills and competences.