How I inspire others at work through hackathon

The last couple of months has been exciting month that involves winning a couple of hackathon through personal initiative after work hours. In my current company, we have this culture of sharing. And I took the opportunity to share my experience of the virtual hack followed up by some tips that I look out for when choosing one.

I wasn’t expecting much after that. However, I got overwhelming feedback privately and via the one-on-one that they are inspired and learn a lot from the sharing. Those small gestures of positive feedback feel motivating for me as well.

So yea, I am glad I can bring change and impact to other people through the work and hobby that I am passionate about.

TLDR;

Atlassian Codegeist

Starting the Codegeist that leveraging on our internal hack week competition. Where I won the bonus prize.

Read more about it here in their official announcement.

Freshworks Refresh App Challenge

And then, using the competitor framework “Freshwork” which I also won an even bigger prize reward. Innovation prize award, which they rank equivalent to the grand prize.

And yea, I will be trying to finish the product and put it in the marketplace as my personal portfolio after this too. Here is a sneak peek at it.

Motive

Initially, I did feel shy to share this as I sort of don’t want to self-promote or an ego boost to the department.

However, my supportive teammate encourages me to do so. To the point that my immediate manager said “You should share them to inspire others”. 

At the back of my head how?

So initially, I start by sharing it within a smaller space such as during the team retro under the “what makes you feel good” category. Never to know, during 1:1 my direct subordinate start asking me more about it.

That’s where I knew it manage to move or make someone curious about it. The next thing I know, I wrote a post about it and share it to the playday section, hoping it can help to inspire other the same way it helps my immediate team.

And finally took the chance to share it during the playday highlight.

The questions and interest from the audience. That’s where I knew the work I did, manage to move and inspire people to look for hackathon projects, then learn new tech, and put myself in the position to win something small/big.

Conclusion

Coming from the same culture, passion or interest. Most of the time, we just don’t know where and how to start. And, having a working example right in front of help to shortcut some processes.

What if I did not win the hack? I think… probably the effect won’t that significant. That is why as a leader when your team achieves something great. Be proud and share it. Use it as a tool to inspire others. Certain things depend on the string of luck but use that opportunity to help others grow. 🙂

I also believe people are genuinely eager to learn grow and hopefully able to earn some side income aside from other means. And, this kind of sharing shows them the possibility and the how.