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posted by martyb on Monday December 04 2017, @05:18PM   Printer-friendly
from the it's-easier-to-deal-with-computers-than-with-people dept.

The Do's and Don't's of Managing Programmers:

Why are some programmers such jerks?

Too many managers believe the problem lies with [the disgruntled programmer]. If he was a better employee, dedicated worker, or at least cared more, then this wouldn't happen. Right?

Unfortunately, no.

The first suggestions matter a lot
How you handle ideas from new programmers sends an important signal. Good or bad, it sets the stage for what they expect. This determines if they share more ideas in the future... or keep their mouth shut.

Sure, some ideas might not be feasible in your environment. Some might get put on the back burner to be discussed "when we're not busy". Some ideas seem great, but they run against unspoken cultural norms.

No matter what the reason, dismissing or devaluing your programmer's ideas — especially in the first few months — is a bad move.

Damaged by all the naysaying, he'll try a few more times to present his ideas differently, aiming for a successful outcome. If he continues to feel punished, though, he'll realize that the only way to win is not to play.

Which is exactly what you don't want your programmers learning.

He will stop presenting ideas, asking to meet customers, and genuinely trying to understand the business.

Ultimately, it's a lose lose.

If you want programmers to become mere code monkeys, treat them like code monkeys.


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  • (Score: 2) by DannyB on Monday December 04 2017, @08:58PM (1 child)

    by DannyB (5839) Subscriber Badge on Monday December 04 2017, @08:58PM (#605289) Journal

    Therapy and / or Drugs can be an effective treatment. Especially if your insurance plan covers prescription cyanide.

    Alas, not all insurance plans are created equal. And thus the Comparable<T> interface.

    --
    People today are educated enough to repeat what they are taught but not to question what they are taught.
    Starting Score:    1  point
    Karma-Bonus Modifier   +1  

    Total Score:   2  
  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday December 04 2017, @09:26PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday December 04 2017, @09:26PM (#605309)

    I don't have an insurance plan because I don't have a job! Logic, you fail it!!