Duane Gran’s log of thoughts

Its hard to see the big picture when you are working on implementation details and it is no wonder that programmers are often viewed as being out of touch with the organization as a whole. When the developer is deliberating depth-first versus breadth-first for an algorithm they are bound to appear disconnected from the conversation at hand.

Implementation matters. Make no doubt about it. A colleague of mine recently explained his distress at collaborating with a manager who describes software systems in term of food preparation. When the metaphors fail to describe the practical limits of software the manager thinks the programmer is inept. I’ve been there and it is supremely frustrating but I think it is a two way street and both parties need to find common area.

It doesn’t work for the programmer to live in “implementation land” all day long and it doesn’t work for managers to waive off that “implementation stuff” as unimportant jargon. Another missive that hits this point for programmers comes by way of Neil Mcallister’s article. Here are some practical suggestions for programmers to break the mode a bit:

1. Set a reminder in the morning and afternoon to stop and put your head up. By this I mean to make sure that you create a pause in your work to contemplate what may be going on around you. Rather than waiting for someone to shadow your doorstep maybe you notice a colleague has a pressing deadline (not code related) where you can lend expertise. Get into the rhythm of the workplace.
2. In meetings with colleagues and managers begin by making a clear statement of the issue and solution. Don’t start discussions centered on implementation. This is an opportunity to affirm that everyone agrees on what is being done.
3. Ask a trusted colleague for feedback about your “presence” in the organization. Are you viewed as engaged or reactive? Ask for constructive ideas to improve your communication of technical concepts. You may be surprised what comes of it.

Other suggestions and ideas here are most welcome in the comments.

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 5th, 2009 at 8:59 am and is filed under etiquette, labor, technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.