What do you do if your superiors criticize your algorithm design?

1 Listen Carefully

When your superiors provide feedback on your algorithm, it's crucial to listen attentively. They may have years of experience or a different perspective that could prove invaluable. Take notes if necessary, and make sure to fully understand the points they are making. This isn't just about acknowledging their expertise, but also about showing respect for their position and the time they've taken to review your work. Remember, their goal is likely to help you improve, not to diminish your efforts.

2 Clarify Doubts

After absorbing the initial feedback, don't hesitate to ask questions if certain criticisms aren't clear to you. Seeking clarification helps prevent misunderstandings and shows that you're actively engaged in the conversation. It's important to know why a certain aspect of your algorithm was flagged—was it due to performance issues, scalability concerns, or something else? Understanding the 'why' behind the criticism is as crucial as understanding the 'what'.

3 Reflect Objectively

Once you have a clear understanding of the feedback, take a step back and reflect on it objectively. Resist the urge to take criticism personally; instead, focus on how it pertains to your algorithm's design and performance. Consider if there are any patterns in the feedback that point to areas where you could strengthen your skills. This self-reflection is a key part of professional growth and will help you approach future projects with a more informed perspective.

4 Propose Solutions

Armed with a better understanding of the feedback, it's time to think about solutions. If the criticism is valid, develop a plan to address the issues raised. This might involve revising your algorithm, conducting more research, or seeking advice from peers. Proposing solutions not only demonstrates your problem-solving skills but also shows a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement.

5 Implement Changes

After proposing solutions, the next step is to implement them. This might require rewriting code, optimizing certain processes, or even starting from scratch in extreme cases. Use the feedback as a guide to enhance your algorithm's design and ensure that it meets the necessary standards and expectations. Remember that the process of refining an algorithm can be iterative, so be prepared to make further adjustments as needed.

6 Follow Up

Finally, after making changes, follow up with your superiors to show them how you've addressed their concerns. This isn't just about proving that you've taken their feedback seriously; it's also an opportunity to get additional input that could further improve your work. A follow-up discussion can also help solidify your understanding of best practices in algorithm design and reinforce professional relationships.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?