12
Crost
6y

Recently I've started thinking about how we are always told "No you can't do that" to everything. That feels like a theme in our industry.

I've also been thinking about how often people say well done to each other, or just comment that something is good in a pull request. Everything is always focused on bugs and mistakes - not good bits.

The first point conflicts with the idea that when using languages and frameworks you should follow their philosophy or you're gonna have a bad time - but in all other instances you mostly don't have wrong answers, just answers that can be better so a lot of stuff is opinion based.

I've decided to change my ways and focus just as much on good stuff as bad when I review code and to make sure I'm focusing just as much, if not more, when people do something good.

I think I do a good job, but I don't think I've been told I'm doing a good job or that anything specific is good more than a couple times in the last year - mostly in mandatory reviews. What about you?

Comments
  • 2
    I agree with you. Problems seem be more attractive than solutions, and people ended up focusing on the bad most of the time.

    I learned the importance of focusing on good some years ago, with an amazing boss of an agency I worked for. He always pointed what was good / well done on the code of everyone. When he wanted something differently, he always explained why and was open to suggestions. He knew everyone wants to be better, and mistakes are just one way to learn, not something to be ashamed of.

    It's a great attitude and I always try to do the same. It's important to recognize the time and effort people put on their work.
  • 1
    As a whole: I agree with you, people should show a bit more appreciation for good work

    But I look at it this way: if nobody complains, it means I did my job right
Add Comment