Re:Ask HN: Strategies for working with engineers that are to...
by token8791 on Thursday January 12, 2023 @05:32AM
(#34351623)
One thing I observed (in me and others) that when tasks seem too simple at first, your brain automatically tries to add a bit more sophistication to the whole project - so you do not feel that dumb, and also to not look that dumb.
After a few years maintaining systems, I do not use the word "simple" for anything software or computer related anymore. I'm glad if something works as advertised - and I'm delighted if I see people putting in effort to make someone else's life easier.
People, who appear smart may well indeed be just a little frustrated. Not the person who makes things more complicated or ask complex questions is smart - that difference seems to escape some of the even smartest people.
As for working with these people, I don't know. You have to endure them, make them aware of the tradeoffs that are made, in the best case show them something simpler, that accomplishes the goal.
After a few years maintaining systems, I do not use the word "simple" for anything software or computer related anymore. I'm glad if something works as advertised - and I'm delighted if I see people putting in effort to make someone else's life easier.
People, who appear smart may well indeed be just a little frustrated. Not the person who makes things more complicated or ask complex questions is smart - that difference seems to escape some of the even smartest people.
As for working with these people, I don't know. You have to endure them, make them aware of the tradeoffs that are made, in the best case show them something simpler, that accomplishes the goal.