Big thinking software developers need only apply

Progressive organisations are constantly looking for a better way of doing. And a better way of doing always starts with a Big Idea. Those who bring big ideas to companies, regardless of their role in an organisation, are the ones who become indispensible. They are the ones who help keep a company competitive and commercially viable. They are the linchpins.

Organisations strive to bring together individuals driven to challenge the status quo and add value in new and unexpected ways.

As a software developer, it’s important to remember that your opportunity to add value is not limited by the technical nature of your role. Tempting as it might be, we can’t choose to live in a technological bubble, far removed from the commercial viability of the business. If nothing else, we all expect to be challenged, not to mention paid a highly competitive salary.

Your analytical mind and capacity for lateral and creative thinking make you uniquely placed to become a linchpin within your organisation. But to achieve this you can’t keep doing what you’ve always done. You must step outside the known, think about your organisation in a much broader sense and seek out better ways of doing. Companies favour employees who can see the bigger picture, rather than those who just stick to the known.

A better way of doing calls for initiative, creativity, experimentation, collaboration and a preparedness to be wrong. Perhaps, most importantly, it calls for the courage to challenge expectations – especially those of your company, your industry and yourself.

Think about the most outstanding colleagues you’ve ever worked with. How did they step up and play outside their technical comfort zones?

Explore beyond the known. Wherever you perceive a void, use that wonderfully tuned analytical mind of yours to make the connections that lead to a better way of doing.

For some real inspiration, check out Seth Godin’s book, Linchpin. Then take the CODE Profiler test to work out how you can channel your talents and broaden your skills to become your company’s linchpin.