Elevate Your Tech Career Through Effective Documentation

Let’s face it, most people don’t give a damn about documentation. It’s often seen as the boring, thankless part of tech work. But here’s the kicker: documentation is the #1 most underrated tech skill. Yep, you heard me right. Mastering documentation can set you apart in ways you never imagined and catapult your career to new heights. Let’s dive into why this overlooked skill is your ticket to becoming indispensable.

Become the Go-To Person

Ever notice how the same few people on your team always seem to have the answers? That could be you. By excelling at documentation, you become the go-to person for your team. When you document processes, solutions, and troubleshooting steps, you create a goldmine of information that everyone relies on. Suddenly, you’re not just another cog in the machine; you’re the person everyone turns to when things go sideways.

Knowledge is Power

Think of documentation as your personal knowledge base that you get to take wherever you go. Each project, each task, each problem you solve adds to your repository of expertise. When you switch teams or even jobs, this trove of information moves with you, making transitions smoother and faster. It’s like having a superpower that keeps growing with every experience.

Get Noticed by Management

Here’s a little secret: management loves documentation. Why? Because it means fewer headaches for them. When you provide clear, thorough documentation, it shows that you’re organized, proactive, and reliable. These are qualities that get noticed. And when management notices you, opportunities start opening up. Promotions, raises, leadership roles—they’re all within reach when you prove your value through stellar documentation.

Proof of Work

Documentation isn’t just for others; it’s also proof of your work. It’s a record of your contributions, your problem-solving skills, and your expertise. Very few people will ever contest well-documented work. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a powerful way to stand out and build a solid reputation. Plus, when performance reviews come around, you’ve got a tangible record of your accomplishments to back you up.

Automate the Boring Stuff

Worried about the time it takes to document everything? Good news: documentation is super easy to automate. You can train a custom GPT to format brain dumps and monologues into standard operating procedures (SOPs). Tools like Otter.ai can take notes for you during meetings.

And if you want to skip the long process of writing, here’s a hack: record your thoughts brain-dump style, speaking directly into the Otter.ai app to capture all your thoughts without being limited by your typing speed—it saves a ton of headache. Then let ChatGPT format it for you. Simple, efficient, and effective.

Get Started with Onboarding Guides

A great way to dive into documentation is by creating materials aimed at helping new folks get acclimated to the role. Start by making guides for yourself. What would you have wanted to know when you first started? Outline processes, key contacts, and troubleshooting tips. Speak these out loud into the Otter.ai app, then let ChatGPT format them for you. Not only does this help new team members, but it also reinforces your own knowledge and makes you a more valuable asset to the team.

Notes from Hard-to-Remember Concepts

We all encounter those pesky concepts that just won’t stick. Whether it’s a complex command sequence, intricate algorithm, or detailed procedure, don’t sweat it. Use documentation to keep track of these tricky bits. Brain dump your notes into ChatGPT, let it format them in a clearer, more organized way, and then publish them for others. Not only does this solidify your understanding, but it also helps your colleagues who might be grappling with the same concepts.

Special Tips to Get Ahead

1. Create Cheat Sheets: Summarize important information into concise cheat sheets that you can quickly reference. This is especially useful for command-line shortcuts, configuration steps, or coding standards.
2. Share Your Knowledge: Don’t keep your documentation to yourself. Share it on internal wikis, team forums, or even public blogs. This positions you as a knowledgeable resource and enhances your reputation.
3. Stay Updated: Continuously update your documentation as you learn new things or processes change. This keeps your knowledge base relevant and valuable.
4. Use Visual Aids: Incorporate screenshots, diagrams, and flowcharts. Visual aids can make complex information easier to understand and more engaging.
5. Solicit Feedback: Ask colleagues for feedback on your documentation. This can provide new insights and help you improve the quality of your work.

Continuous Improvement

The beauty of documentation is that it evolves. Document the process the first time you do it and modify it as you go through it again. Each iteration makes your documentation better, more detailed, and more useful. This continuous improvement not only helps your team but also sharpens your own skills and knowledge.

Unlock Hidden Doors

Mastering documentation isn’t just about doing your current job better—it’s about opening doors you never thought possible. It sets you apart from the crowd and showcases your dedication and expertise. In a world where many overlook this crucial skill, you can leverage it to elevate your career, gain recognition, and create new opportunities.

So, are you ready to become indispensable? Start focusing on documentation. It’s not glamorous, but it’s your secret weapon. Nail this skill, and you’ll set yourself apart in ways you never imagined. Your future self will thank you.

Read about starting your learning in public journey here! ⬇️

Take Action Now

If you’d like to see examples of documentation, I publish my personal wiki from 14 years in cybersecurity as a resource here to get your mind moving for the possibilities. Plus, I write a weekly newsletter all about how to elevate your life with technology. It’s packed with tips, tricks, and insights to help you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s elevate your tech career together!