Don’t Sink With The Others

July 22nd, 2013

My partner and I often help projects where developers get caught in technical challenges for which they don't have enough skills. They sometimes get caught for months in fancy architectures that they are unable to make work. We get these projects back on track, that is, we get them out of the forest to the road and point them in the direction of the city. We seldom accompany developers all the way, because that's inefficient and is just a waste of our client's money. The surgeon only does the surgery. Taking care of the patient in the following weeks is the nurse's job.

We have seen a number of cases where the team would go back into the forest and get lost again. Most of these simply need a little more guidance to avoid slipping. There are, however, some cases where developers constantly require assistance even after the project is back on schedule and adequate tools were provided to finish the job. In our business, project rescue is a short burst to get it back on track and is not meant to be sustained. There are less expensive support services for those who need extra help to keep things under control.

What about you? As managers, you must be able to recognize when a developer is unable to work unless held by the hand like a child. Whether it's due to lack of skill or confidence, you must remedy to the situation immediately to protect the investment in the project. You could reassign them to easier tasks, invest in coaching or mentorship services, or let them go.

As colleagues or contractors, signal the situation to your superiors. Spending all your time helping other developers will get you behind on your own objectives and you will be the one in trouble. Don't expect those whom you helped to stand behind you when heads begin to roll. Contractors should also be aware that there is no benefit in doing extra work "in good faith" for which you are not paid. That is a polite term for "we busted our budget but can persuade this one to do the rest for free".

Remember, some people will always need help. Don't sink with them. You have your own life to enjoy.

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