3 ms·

I disagree with the notion of a "lone sheep". By the same logic I have known a few "lone wolves" who are outrageously arrogant and disorganized and so unwillin

I disagree with the notion of a "lone sheep". By the same logic I have known a few "lone wolves" who are outrageously arrogant and disorganized and so unwilling to accept when they're wrong that nobody wonders why they're never in charge. This article sounds like it's trying to make excuses for the shortcomings of the "lone" type by making a false distinction. I'm saying this as someone who used to be considered a "lone wolf" and basically just grew out of it by speaking my mind more often, keeping my statements brief and relevant, and developing more patience for others. Also worth pointing out this personal growth was not possible until I found a slower paced job where projects weren't always on fire and due yesterday.

jebarker 4y ago
> grew out of it by speaking my mind more often Could you expand on how this helped you grow out of being a lone wolf? Was it because you just weren't participating in group discussion before?
- sublinear 4y ago
  It's not just that I spoke my mind more often, but that I felt comfortable doing it. I used to seldom speak, but when I did I'd let out all the stuff I was holding back (sometimes going back weeks or months of previous discussions!). I either tended to be right about some stuff but too late for it to make a difference anymore, or wrong about some stuff and ignored. This only made my arrogance even worse thinking everyone else was dumb. I was holding back because I was afraid of being wrong and damaging my reputation as someone who "just got things done" and "didn't complain". You see in my mind I was being a "team player" this way. It's obvious now how some bosses took advantage of this while others hated it. I then found a slower paced job where _nobody_ is ever the hero and the meetings finally weren't a waste of time. It's not a coincidence this job that turned me around paid way better, had more reasonable schedules, and employed "senior devs" who weren't just a bunch of kids in their 20s.
  - jebarker 4y ago
    Thanks for the explanation. Congratulations on figuring that out. I have similar tendencies to your old self and it definitely holds me back. I'm working on it!
madamelic 4y ago
Sheep dog > Lone wolf. - Understands the value of the pack - Able to go off on a solo project if needed and do _everything_ associated - Isn't a jerk - Cares if people are blocked regardless of project and willing to help out
- detourdog 4y ago
  I think the issue is the group defines whether one is a sheep dog or a lone wolf. One may identify as a sheep dog and be seen as a lone wolf by a team. The actions and intentions of the outsider are defined by the group.
- sublinear 4y ago
  These are all fine criteria if... > "... projects [aren't] always on fire and due yesterday." ;)
qikInNdOutReply 4y ago
We are already in a culture that marginalizes lone wulfs - and that at the moment falters and fails to produce innovation and non-incremental research. Which by now risks the whole project. Its okay to admit, that what one holds most dear, fails to accomplish what it adores the most. For all the fluffy "innovation" posters, it seems to prefer the company of tyrant "artists".

jebarker 4y ago

> grew out of it by speaking my mind more often Could you expand on how this helped you grow out of being a lone wolf? Was it because you just weren't participating in group discussion before?

sublinear 4y ago
It's not just that I spoke my mind more often, but that I felt comfortable doing it. I used to seldom speak, but when I did I'd let out all the stuff I was holding back (sometimes going back weeks or months of previous discussions!). I either tended to be right about some stuff but too late for it to make a difference anymore, or wrong about some stuff and ignored. This only made my arrogance even worse thinking everyone else was dumb. I was holding back because I was afraid of being wrong and damaging my reputation as someone who "just got things done" and "didn't complain". You see in my mind I was being a "team player" this way. It's obvious now how some bosses took advantage of this while others hated it. I then found a slower paced job where _nobody_ is ever the hero and the meetings finally weren't a waste of time. It's not a coincidence this job that turned me around paid way better, had more reasonable schedules, and employed "senior devs" who weren't just a bunch of kids in their 20s.
- jebarker 4y ago
  Thanks for the explanation. Congratulations on figuring that out. I have similar tendencies to your old self and it definitely holds me back. I'm working on it!

madamelic 4y ago

Sheep dog > Lone wolf. - Understands the value of the pack - Able to go off on a solo project if needed and do _everything_ associated - Isn't a jerk - Cares if people are blocked regardless of project and willing to help out

detourdog 4y ago
I think the issue is the group defines whether one is a sheep dog or a lone wolf. One may identify as a sheep dog and be seen as a lone wolf by a team. The actions and intentions of the outsider are defined by the group.
sublinear 4y ago
These are all fine criteria if... > "... projects [aren't] always on fire and due yesterday." ;)

qikInNdOutReply 4y ago

We are already in a culture that marginalizes lone wulfs - and that at the moment falters and fails to produce innovation and non-incremental research. Which by now risks the whole project. Its okay to admit, that what one holds most dear, fails to accomplish what it adores the most. For all the fluffy "innovation" posters, it seems to prefer the company of tyrant "artists".