Thread by @joshualande

I joined Twitter on September 3, 2013. Today marks my fifth anniversary. I wanted to take time today to share some lessons I have learned, usually the hard way, that have help me along the way

Try to work with people who you think are better than you, and don’t be ashamed when they outshine you. The best way to learn is by example

Just because something didn’t work in the past doesn’t mean that it won’t work when you try it again

Find a manager who believes you are better at your job then you believe yourself to be. Their belief will rub off on you over time

Don’t assume that just because something motivates or interests you means that it will motivate or interest somebody else

Never feel ashamed to ask what you think are stupid questions. The smartest people get that way by asking the most questions and people almost never think less of you for tying to learn

It is ok to be afraid that your project will fail. It is also ok if it fails. You should be more afraid if you are sure that your project will succeed

Treat your coworkers as though they will go on to do far greater things. It is a pretty safe bet that you are working with future superstars

Just because an idea cannot be measured does not mean that it is not true

If you feel upset, don’t send that email. Sleep on it and decide in the morning if it is really worth sending

Aggressively seek out negative feedback. It is the hardest to find and the toughest to hear. But it is the most effective way to get better

Back-of-the-envelope calculation are amazingly useful in practice. If you feel uncomfortable doing them try to get more practice

Don’t dwell on why someone’s idea is bad. Instead try to figure out what problem they are trying to solve and better ways to solve it

The best idea in the room is often in the mind of the quietest person. Do everything you can to build an environment where they feel comfortable speaking

Ideas often grow on you over time. Don’t be so dismissive at first and reconsider from time to time

It is better to be right than to be believed. Be worried if people start believing what you say without understanding why you are saying it

Don’t be afraid to give your best ideas away to others. You will have a bigger impact, people will recognize your contribution, and it will free your mind to think up even better ideas

The most impactful work is often the easiest. Figure out what your team isn’t doing and don’t feel ashamed to get some easy wins

I couldn’t have gotten where I am without the help of so many great people to learn from. First thanks to all the managers I have worked for @GeorgeJLee @linuslee @squarecog @manand @drbridgewater @onesnowclimber @mjahr @xuexb

I am thankful for my coworkers who taught me so much along the way. An incomplete and unordered list: @gaborjszabo @_rchang @chandyman @Chris_Said @0x138 @gerashegalov @lucilemouse @larsonite @posco @rwhitcomb @NegatedVoid @paraga @argyris @sagemintblue @mikecvet @themitak

And thanks to @jack for building an environment where I can focus on learning. I am hoping that 5 years from now I will look back and be amused at how little I knew today

Finally, I couldn’t end this thread without a shameless plug. Twitter is is always hiring great people. If you are interested in working with me please reach out. Here are two terrific positions:
careers.twitter.com/en/work-for-tw…
and careers.twitter.com/en/work-for-tw…