4 ms·

I agree, actually. Bitterness doesn't solve anything. Dysfunctional orgs are usually beyond salvation. For me, the question is: can I say the deadline is unrea

by Lutger 4y ago

I agree, actually. Bitterness doesn't solve anything. Dysfunctional orgs are usually beyond salvation. For me, the question is: can I say the deadline is unrealistic and off by 2x as a matter of fact and can we discuss how to deal with that, as a matter of fact, not blaming anyone? Just the facts. Sometimes this is impossible because the mere mention of it makes me the pessimist and is putting everyone in a bad mood.

roflyear 4y ago
Yeah. I do agree that if you find yourself being bitter, it is the org, usually, not you. > can I say the deadline is unrealistic and off by 2x as a matter of fact and can we discuss how to deal with that, as a matter of fact, not blaming anyone? Just the facts. I'd hope so, but at my company the conversation would either end (CTO would say "I got to go join another meeting") or it would be interpreted as you "saying no."
- dasil003 4y ago
  One thing that really came into focus for me once I got into my 40s and had had a chance to see all different manner of successful and dysfunctional teams from many different vantage points is that any binary assessment of an org as good or bad is overly reductive. Most orgs have good sides and bad sides, and a mature perspective is to either do what one can do improve the bad parts, or cut bait and find a new org. I realize this is a privileged perspective, but competent software engineers have options. I truly believe that if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem—not in a malicious way, but systemic dysfunction is far more common than malintent, so if you truly see no path in contributing towards a better work environment then what are you doing with your life?
  - roflyear 4y ago
    In my case, there are extenuating circumstances - I have some level of responsibility to the owners, and I have special privileges where I work now.

by Lutger 4y ago

roflyear 4y ago

Yeah. I do agree that if you find yourself being bitter, it is the org, usually, not you. > can I say the deadline is unrealistic and off by 2x as a matter of fact and can we discuss how to deal with that, as a matter of fact, not blaming anyone? Just the facts. I'd hope so, but at my company the conversation would either end (CTO would say "I got to go join another meeting") or it would be interpreted as you "saying no."

dasil003 4y ago
One thing that really came into focus for me once I got into my 40s and had had a chance to see all different manner of successful and dysfunctional teams from many different vantage points is that any binary assessment of an org as good or bad is overly reductive. Most orgs have good sides and bad sides, and a mature perspective is to either do what one can do improve the bad parts, or cut bait and find a new org. I realize this is a privileged perspective, but competent software engineers have options. I truly believe that if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem—not in a malicious way, but systemic dysfunction is far more common than malintent, so if you truly see no path in contributing towards a better work environment then what are you doing with your life?
- roflyear 4y ago
  In my case, there are extenuating circumstances - I have some level of responsibility to the owners, and I have special privileges where I work now.