What Makes a Good Engineer

• Actively Listens and Seeks the Best Solution A proficient engineer listens to comprehend rather than just to reply. They engage with various perspectives and aim for the optimal solution to the issue, instead of clinging to their own ideas.

• Understands the Business Context and Problem Engineering isn't done in isolation. Exceptional engineers grasp who the problem is being solved for and why it's important. If this context isn't provided, they actively pursue it, knowing that addressing only the technical aspect is solving just half of the problem.

• Seeks Feedback and Takes Action They consistently seek input from colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders. More crucially, they act on feedback when it aligns with their career development and team objectives.

• Balances Perfection with Practicality They understand that the "perfect" solution is rarely attainable. Instead, they concentrate on the most suitable solution for the current problem, taking into account trade-offs and limitations.

• Takes Ownership of Quality An outstanding engineer doesn't merely write code and move on. They take responsibility for the quality of their work, ensuring it meets team standards and doesn't become "someone else’s problem" to fix later.

• Seeks User Feedback They are concerned with how their solutions are received by users. They actively pursue feedback on usability and effectiveness rather than waiting for problems to be reported.

• Uplifts the Team and Shares Knowledge Excellent engineers contribute to the growth of others by mentoring teammates, sharing insights, or promoting a culture of ongoing learning. They maintain a balance between teaching and delivering.

• Identifies Risks Early and Offers Solutions Rather than merely pointing out issues, they propose solutions. Engineering teams face enough challenges, and good engineers help in resolving them.

• Advocates for Continuous Improvement They strive for improved processes, tools, and systems while maintaining a positive, solution-oriented attitude. The world has enough negativity; great engineers bring positive energy to their teams.

• Stays Curious About Technology As technology constantly evolves, good engineers remain curious, explore new trends, and share knowledge to keep their teams ahead.

• Adopts a Set-Based Problem-Solving Mindset They recognize that multiple valid solutions often exist for a problem. Instead of focusing on one approach, they explore various options, evaluate trade-offs, and make informed decisions based on the larger context. They understand that engineering involves navigating complexity, not merely following a set path.

At its essence, exceptional engineering goes beyond merely coding; it involves addressing challenges, collaborating efficiently, and creating a meaningful influence. What else would you include in this list?