Technology Choice Matters
Developers need consistency in the tools they use, as well as a clear understanding of what is expected of them to be productive and successful in their roles. These tools not only impact productivity but also play a pivotal role in shaping the professional and personal well-being of developers.
As team sizes grow, restructures occur, or new team members are added, it becomes crucial to have a consistent set of tools and technologies that everyone is expected to use.
This consistency provides a sense of protection at an emotional level by setting clear expectations of what is required of them, and it helps ensure that new team members have the skills necessary to perform their jobs successfully.
By having a clear set of tools and expectations, developers can focus on their work without having to worry about constantly re-tooling or adapting to follow the latest fads in technology.
The importance of technology choice and the stability of tools cannot be overstated when it comes to the productivity and job satisfaction of developers.
When organizations force too many changes or offer too many choices, for example, if a single developer uses Java for a new team project instead of C# on a team comprised entirely of .NET engineers, it can lead to division and a lack of productivity.
On the other hand, being overly controlling with tool choices, for example, an enterprise company forcing all C# and Java developers to use VB.NET, can also lead to a lack of productivity and a feeling of frustration among the teams. Not to mention sheer confusion.
Limiting the choice of technology can also have negative consequences. For instance, using COBOL may make sense for some companies, but it limits the hiring pool and will cause skill atrophy in the long run.
In either scenario, the impact on velocity, quality, and maintainability is severe, and it introduces novice mistakes and risks that can lead to burnout and frustration among the team members.
As a manager or leader, it’s important to carefully consider the technology choices and ensure that they align with the company’s goals and values, while also providing stability and consistency to the developers.
Ultimately, when it comes to making a choice, listen to your developers. Doing so can help to increase productivity, job satisfaction, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for the company as a whole.
-Rob