Written by Jordan R Wilman / Cartoon Illustration by Carlos Ponce
Everyone is always looking to play that ‘perfect’ card. The option that gives you the most success, least chance of failure, and the option to improve your next turn in the future. What’s the problem with that thought process? It’s a well thought out philosophy – not a methodology.
When we look at the technology sector, which sort of skilled employees and professionals have this problem? Yes, you guessed it! The unicorns of the technology sector – developers! The ones that are always looking to perfect that exact formula; thus, allowing their skill and experience to shine through on a project that everyone will remember them for! Wrong.
Software developers are always looking to be agile and perfect on every task, project, and initiative that gets forwarded their way. The problem with this mindset is that you will never be perfect, no matter how much of a unicorn you are. Like many concepts in life that are philosophies, when you add in the concept of the “real world”, this philosophy does not work in the way that it’s intended. Generally speaking, philosophies never transfer over; especially, when we talk about the work done by developers.
Instead of a dreamt of philosophy of absolute agile perfection, what can we replace that with? Well, the efficient and useful concept of problem solving in order to complete a task. Understanding that “perfection” will never be attained, no matter how far you push yourself. Finally, recognizing that you are going to make mistakes along the way and that is okay.
No one ever asked you to be perfect, they just wanted you to do your job to the best of your abilities.