How To Confront Difficult Software Developers About Their Behavior
Jayme Edwards
Tech Career Coach for Experienced Software Development, Management, and Consulting Professionals
Have you ever been on a software project with someone who does great work but is difficult to work with? Here’s some strategies for confronting difficult software developers about their behavior.
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Before you even think about having this conversation, go into it detached from the outcome you want. If you go into it thinking “If I don’t get this person’s behavior to change then I’ll be upset” — the other person will pick up on it.
Here’s six tips for this conversation (elaborated on in the video):
- Keep The Conversation Private
- Ensure They Are Well Rested
- Reinforce Their Value
- Listen For Struggles
- Future-Pace The Benefits
- Discuss Their Reservations
Two things NOT to do:
Don’t give the person an ultimatum! They will make the change but resent you for it!
Don’t attach rewards to the change. They will expect rewards for future good behavior!
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