# Respect: A prerequisite

Having recently resigned from my full-time job to start down the path of consulting, I was contemplating the importance of a few important things to remember in the IT industry.

*   **Honesty**. One thing I learned early on is that honesty is your best friend. Whenever you’re late on a project or struggling with a particular part of a project let your client know. I have not met one client yet that does not understand If you tell them you are struggling and that the task might take longer than expected.
*   **We’re all in this together**. IT is one of those unique industries where the lines between customer and supplier must be blurred. Neither can sit back and expect the other to do everything, it’s a give/take thing.
*   **Continuous Improvement**. There is always a better, easier and faster way to get something done. There is always more to learn, you will never know everything.
*   **Make friends**. Yes, clients can also be friends. Don’t forget the people that helped you get where you are. Keep in touch with old colleagues(the nice ones, and the lesser nice ones)
*   **Leave emotions at home, and leave work at the office**. Work and clients are challenging enough, throwing emotions into the mix will make it even worse. Always, always remain professional.
*   **Respect**. Need I say more?  
    

And one of my favourites, from Jerry Weinberg’s book The Psychology of Computer Programming:

> _The only true authority stems from knowledge, not from position. Knowledge engenders authority, and authority engenders respect — so if you want respect in an egoless environment, cultivate knowledge._

And most important: Enjoy what you’re doing, If you love what you’re doing and have enthusiasm for it, people will find it contagious.

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