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Nia McCash
Nia McCash

Posted on • Updated on

Do as I Say, not as I Do

One fallacy I've learned recently as a senior developer is that I can always advise others to do as I have done.

That is a myth because it does NOT always lead to success!

When faced with a decision, my natural tendency is to go with what's worked for me in the past. But, when advising others I have to remember that what's worked for me may not work for someone else.

As a senior developer, I can take more risks with my work. If I mess up, I have earned enough credit, trust, and goodwill with my coworkers/management that they know my mistake is not a reflection of shoddy workmanship or unprofessionalism. It's not because I don't care about my work or my team or the organization. There is less room for bad assumptions. But the same can't always be said for someone else, particularly if it's someone junior or perhaps new to the organization.

Sometimes, there is a valid reason to say: Do as I say, not as I do.

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