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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.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday December 04 2017, @08:42PM
The sensitivity training might be required due to how various laws are interpreted. If a business can show that they sent someone to "don't be stupid" training, even if , they then can tell the legal system later that they gave proper "how not to be stupid" training, it's not their fault the guy did something so dumb he's getting sued.
risk management/precautions like sensitivity training are not because they think you need it. it's because they may be held liable in the event one person does something profoundly stupid. It is sort of like a get out of jail free card for them, or at least one that minimizes the risk exposure.
They can fire someone more easily if they got the training and still did stuff the training said not to do, and shift a lot of the problem onto that person and avoid much of the financial implications.