Ep. 4: Software engineers hate meetings for a reason

In this episode, Asim Razzaq highlights the difference between a maker’s schedule and the manager’s schedule. In a company, it is important to consider the type of work your colleagues do, and Asim aims to shed some light on an underlying conflict between the two schedules and how one side needs to be more understanding of the other’s work.

[00:59] Difference Between Maker and Manager Schedule

[01:17] Makers’ Schedule

[02:22] Managers’ Schedule

[03:18] Clashing of Schedules

[03:55] Poorly Planned 1 on 1s

[05:00] Asim’s Experience of Managers vs Makers

[06:33] Pivoting from the Conflict

[11:24] Summary

Work-In-Progress

In the conversation of Maker vs Manager, it is important to understand the type of work each side does for the company. Makers often spend their work days highly focused on delivering technical and hands-on solutions to their products, while managers are there to oversee and give directives on the plans for the company. Managers need to be wary about the time and work makers put on their daily tasks. It does not take long before some managers notice that their need to have makers present in their managerial discussion is costing makers the time they need to be hands-on their tasks.

Workarounds

Companies need to establish a system that can work for their workers. An effective system can produce efficiency for day-to-day work and employee morale. Taking the time to acknowledge the productivity needs of both parties will essentially be the first step before crafting a work solution. In doing so, you get to know what helps for your colleagues, and what to avoid when giving directives. It also helps to have good communications between makers and workers, that way, a win-win situation can be established.

Got questions or suggestions for future episodes? Just visit www.alwaysanengineer.org