Over time, my definition of a good day at work has changed.
It’s no longer about how full my calendar is or how many items I cross off a list. A good day is one where clarity improves, decisions move forward, and the team feels supported in tangible ways.
Most of that work isn’t loud. But it compounds.
Starting With Shared Context
A good day usually begins with being aligned with the team.
Scrum and product calls are not just about updates for me — they’re about ensuring everyone has the same context. I pay close attention to what’s being said, what’s not being said, and where confusion might exist.
When a discussion ends with clearer priorities or fewer assumptions, the call has done its job.
Moving Work Forward Through Tickets
A large part of the day is spent navigating technical and non-technical tickets.
For me, tickets aren’t just tasks — they’re signals. They tell you where users are struggling, where systems are breaking down, or where expectations weren’t set clearly.
A good day includes:
- Reviewing tickets with enough depth to understand the root issue
- Adding clarity where descriptions are vague
- Helping unblock progress when things stall
Even small improvements here reduce friction across the system.
Being Available When the Team Needs It
Some of the most important work happens outside planned meetings.
A message on Slack.
A quick call.
A tag asking for input or a second opinion.
On a good day, I’m available when team members need support — whether it’s validating an approach, helping think through a decision, or simply providing clarity so they can move forward with confidence.
Responsiveness isn’t about being online all the time. It’s about being reliable.
Reviewing, Giving Feedback, and Raising the Bar
A good day almost always includes reviewing work — ZIPs, written updates, product texts, or design inputs.
My focus during reviews is simple:
- Is the intent clear?
- Does this solve the actual problem?
- Will this make sense to the end user?
I also take time to report bugs I come across personally, or ones raised by users, in a detailed and structured way on Slack. Clear bug reports save more time than they take, especially when they reduce back-and-forth later.
Interviews and Long-Term Thinking
Some days include interviews.
I treat these as two-way conversations — understanding how candidates think, how they approach problems, and how they communicate trade-offs. Even when no immediate hire is made, these conversations inform how I think about team structure and future needs.
A good day is one where today’s work doesn’t come at the cost of tomorrow’s clarity.
Ending the Day With Forward Motion
By the end of a good day, something should feel lighter.
A decision is clearer.
A blocker is removed.
A teammate is unblocked.
A user issue is better understood.
Not everything needs to be closed — but progress should be visible.
A small closing thought
Good days at work aren’t about doing more.
They’re about making things clearer for others.
That’s the standard I try to hold myself to.