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How do you thrive in an environment of specialists? That's is the problem I seem to have. I'm spread a little across a few of the domains involved with what I d

by nomel 6d ago

How do you thrive in an environment of specialists? That's is the problem I seem to have. I'm spread a little across a few of the domains involved with what I do. Because of that, I have a bit more insight, so am very often the person pointing out relatively fundamental problems, usually caused by either not understanding the problems from a "first principles" perspective, resulting in, or being caused by, categorical type errors, where they've boxed a problem into a tiny space it doesn't belong. I've been trending "quiet" lately, because I don't like the "friction"/convincing aspect of it all. It's hard to get people to see things from a different angle, or even convincing them there's a problem to begin with! The last project required a complete redesign from a problem I pointed out during the first review, and second, and third, but now I'm seeing even more friction. Maybe this is just corporate life, after a group gets large. Any tricks/advice?

majkinetor 5d ago
Yes, advice. Eventually, you will be seen as a party breaker, and all that will be seen as negative. You are the bringer of the bad news; nobody likes that, no matter how reasonable you are. Shitty products are the norm when profit is in question and doing what is right is not and will be in most places taken as inability to be a valuable team member. There might be some slight chance that you will be in good environment, but even that is usually temporary as business owners, goals and incentives change.
jcims 4d ago
You don't really say how long you've worked with these folks so I'm guessing here, but in my experience you have to build credibility and trust first. Focus on the opportunities rather than the problems, connect people doing similar things in different areas and jump in when they are solving problems after the fact. The last part, for me, has been key to building it in my career (30 years in infra/tech/security).

by nomel 6d ago

majkinetor 5d ago

Yes, advice. Eventually, you will be seen as a party breaker, and all that will be seen as negative. You are the bringer of the bad news; nobody likes that, no matter how reasonable you are. Shitty products are the norm when profit is in question and doing what is right is not and will be in most places taken as inability to be a valuable team member. There might be some slight chance that you will be in good environment, but even that is usually temporary as business owners, goals and incentives change.

jcims 4d ago

You don't really say how long you've worked with these folks so I'm guessing here, but in my experience you have to build credibility and trust first. Focus on the opportunities rather than the problems, connect people doing similar things in different areas and jump in when they are solving problems after the fact. The last part, for me, has been key to building it in my career (30 years in infra/tech/security).