I want to write about an element which makes my life as a developer rewarding and fun.
I found out that most people who I had the privilege to work with have pledged to an unwritten code of honour not unlike a Samurai's. Let me spell it out:
Code and commitment
- My work is a reflection of my craftsmanship. I personally identify with its quality.
Communication
Seeking help
- My colleague's time is at least as precious as my own.
- I read documentation and FAQs closely.
- I am not afraid to ask questions if necessary. I deliberate these questions.
If it helps my colleague, I will summarize them in a mail prior to asking. - I take notes when someone gives me explanations. I avoid asking the same question twice.
Providing help
I have experienced this code mainly as a German SAP developer in Walldorf.
Yet I believe it is quite universal and not limited to one location or even company.
So why write about it?
After all, this code has a strong bias on duties which can make your life hard.
If you are the only person to adopt it, you are doomed:
Others would take advantage of your good-will and time.
Chances are and you would drop it very soon.
However once a group of people adopts it, things look very different:
I was lucky to work with teams where this was the case and I found work enjoyable and rewarding. I felt empowered, my working relations were based on mutual respect and high motivation.
Would I expect we all follow it 100% at all times?
I wouldn't - we are human after all and different people give different weight to different points.
Yet I want to write this code down as an example and reference.
From a company perspective, I believe it has always been a strong contributor to efficiency and success.
Let us re-discover our strengths!
Jens