I've spent many hours hiking across the US. I've spent much time on trails, from deserts to forests, beaches to mountains.
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One common pattern you'll find across many trails is the switchback. Switchbacks control erosion on a hillside, lessen the incline for hikers and can be easier to develop than a straight line to the top.
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What does a swtichback have to do with any software engineering related?
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For me, it was a realization that there is a different "view" of one's career progression as an engineer. It doesn't focus on one's elevation (or level) over time but rather on the area one is traveling through.
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It's a view that focuses on your skill development and has helped me a lot in the past few months, and I hope it can be useful to you!

Team-Building Exercise

One of the best ways to build your team is by sharing knowledge. This week, focus on doing just that in regard to career management and progression.

Now, be careful - no one likes someone barging in and telling them how to manage their career (or anything). Instead, look for opportunities to ask questions to others about how they have managed their careers. Most people enjoy having someone ask for their advice and being able to share their lessons.

Go out of your way to learn the career arcs of your teammates, mentors, and managers. Find out what got them to where they are and what they would have done differently. I spent too long not doing this in my early career, and I wish I had asked more of these questions to help me understand the art of it all. I'm only now catching up from that miss.

There is a good chance that whoever you ask will reciprocate and ask you the same question. When they do, be willing to share what you've learned so far - even if you are still in year one of your career! I've learned so much in the past two years from fellow engineers coming from different parts of the country, bootcamps, etc. that have really shaped how I see our industry.

Bonus: you'll learn about your fellow engineers and build better relationships as a result of these conversations, and healthy team relationships will only have a positive impact on your career.

Here are some more resources from me to help you build better teams!​

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