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10 Positive Software Developer Cultures That I Embrace
It is more important than any tool, technology, or process
“Programmers are nerdy. They work better with computers than a person”. That was the impression I had when I grew up. Being an introvert and like programming, I thought, the last thing I need to worry about is, how to work with others, as long as I am skilled in my programming capability.
Over the years, as I aged, and worked for over two decades with different programmers and office people, I realize my happiness in reporting to work daily is not so much in what technical project I get to be involved in, or how seamless the process we have. but instead, my happiness at work is determined much by the people I work with, and the working culture I am in.
Going to work, and knowing there’s politics that we have to put up with, would just spoil our day… and worse off if we have to deal with it each working day.
Therefore, establishing a positive developer working culture is so important. Below are 10 ways of doing so, in my experience.
1. Prefer Camaraderie Over Competition
When I first enter the workforce, I understand very well, that not everyone will be promoted eventually. To me, only the most dedicated, hardworking, and productive developer will have the opportunity to climb the ladder of career faster.
Naturally, I treat every peer of mine as a competition, especially those who are in the same position as me. I work harder, longer hours, and produce more. Going to work is like going into a battlefield e.g. constant strategizing on how to be better than the other, how to get my work more visible in front of the bosses, etc.
Over the years, I did get what I’m after i.e. promotion after promotion. At each level, the competition gets fiercer. Going to work is so stressful. I started questioning my motivation behind working. I don’t have real friends, working towards a common goal.
When I look back, I lose many opportunities in building genuine friendships. Going to work, without Camaraderie, is so meaningless. We can be the CEO of the company, but it will be so lonely up there.
