> is a flag because it implies that the person asking the question thinks their definition of "improve the code base" is the only one that matters. It also is a

> is a flag because it implies that the person asking the question thinks their definition of "improve the code base" is the only one that matters. It also is asked in a way that suggests a lack of maturity around disagreement and communication. The flag for me is that they routinely fail to get alignment from their co-workers before they begin potentially contentious changes. It's a sign of maturity to identify stakeholders, drive towards consensus and ensure alignment before beginning on any such project. I highly recommend this [1] as a framework for resolving such issues - and also it's a super strong answer if you're asked how you personally resolve such issues within an organization during an interview. The core principle is that people care more about the decision maker hearing out their idea, and understanding it, than they do about their idea being picked. The focus is on hearing people out. IME it's very effective even with, er, prickly personalities. [1] https://review.firstround.com/square-defangs-difficult-decisions-with-this-system-heres-how https://review.firstround.com/square-defangs-difficult-decis...