2 ms·

If it's in any way a surprise than it's 100% your fault as a manager. Having to 're work code' is so common in software it's basically normative. I've never wri

If it's in any way a surprise than it's 100% your fault as a manager. Having to 're work code' is so common in software it's basically normative. I've never written code that was not re-worked. So that, in and of itself might not be enough information. I understand it can be very difficult with someone who just isn't up to snuff, because it's like telling a mediocre athlete to 'be spectacular' - often it just can't work out. But it still shouldn't be a surprise. Moreover, if they're otherwise decent you could try to find something else for them to do. Some people write terrible code but they are wicked problems solvers, I've seen them work out on integration teams that need people 'on the ball' hunting down problems.

ghaff 8y ago
In one case in particular, I wasn't the manager and it wasn't software but it was something similar (research/writing) where iteration is to be expected. However, this was a case where the person had to be held by the hand through rewrite after rewrite with others ultimately doing most of the work. Should the employee have been given a clear "improve or you're gone" early on? In retrospect, yes. On the other hand, workplaces that have a low patience for people who don't quickly get to full running speed aren't necessarily the best places to work. And, to use your analogy, if you're dropping a lot of balls as a receiver, the coach shouldn't need to tell you that your job is at risk. This was also a very small company so there really weren't other types of positions. It also meant there weren't a lot of formal processes. On the other hand, the connection between work and results was pretty clear. I agree with your points as a general principle. On the other hand, it's reasonable to expect some degree of self-awareness which can be lacking to a surprising degree.
- sonnyblarney 8y ago
  Yes, someone who literally cannot do their job, I've been there as well. This should happen in the first couple of months however.

ghaff 8y ago

In one case in particular, I wasn't the manager and it wasn't software but it was something similar (research/writing) where iteration is to be expected. However, this was a case where the person had to be held by the hand through rewrite after rewrite with others ultimately doing most of the work. Should the employee have been given a clear "improve or you're gone" early on? In retrospect, yes. On the other hand, workplaces that have a low patience for people who don't quickly get to full running speed aren't necessarily the best places to work. And, to use your analogy, if you're dropping a lot of balls as a receiver, the coach shouldn't need to tell you that your job is at risk. This was also a very small company so there really weren't other types of positions. It also meant there weren't a lot of formal processes. On the other hand, the connection between work and results was pretty clear. I agree with your points as a general principle. On the other hand, it's reasonable to expect some degree of self-awareness which can be lacking to a surprising degree.

sonnyblarney 8y ago
Yes, someone who literally cannot do their job, I've been there as well. This should happen in the first couple of months however.