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Discussion on: Coding with empathy

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fpuffer profile image
Frank Puffer

While I agree with most of your points, I don't believe they have to do with empathy.

Imagine a team of software developers where everybody is a total jerk. The manager sets up strict rules about writing tests and documentation, clean code, reviews and so on. Team members who don't adhere to the rules will be paid less or get fired. I do believe that such a team can be just as productive as a team based on empathy.

Don't get me wrong, I would not like to work in such a team. But I guess that there are people who would, if they are paid well enough.

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nssimeonov profile image
Templar++

can be just as productive as a team based on empathy

Wrong! It will be A WHOLE LOT more productive.

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benjamminj profile image
Benjamin Johnson

I agree with you, I'd definitely not want to work on that type of team! And there's probably people that would be ok with it.

We can have all of the software disciplines I mentioned without empathy—that's completely true. And I'm sure a team like the one you described would see some success from adopting the things you mentioned—even if it was out of fear. However, I don't think it's wrong for us to take a look about how our software affects the people we collaborate with. That's why I wanted to examine how empathy can be fuel for engineering discipline (: