Weeknotes 4

This week proved challenging. One of the most challenging parts of working on a project is dealing with people. Specifically, mentoring. It is hard work! Most of the time, it is the most rewarding part of the job — at least to me.

Still, it is difficult and I find that good processes make life much easier. Clear and precise communication at the very beginning is key. For us, this means a contributing guide for the repository. I’ve made a few so far, always with the team’s input and always making it known that the document is a living document.

Here’s some go to links I refer to every time I have to create a contributing guide:

Because the team decided on the contributing guide, it is easier to refer to it when a contribution does not adhere to it.

Some people need help working through the contributing guide and that’s ok. The key here is asking questions — it doesn’t matter if the questions are good or bad. Tackle one problem at a time, preferably the larger, more difficult problems first.

I spent a lot of time this week pairing. Not all pairing sessions are the same, I spent some time pairing with developers we added to the team and I spent time with existing developers with weaker skills. Everyone needs to know the goal of the session; clarity and precision!

Anyway, just some thoughts I had after hours of pairing.

That’s it. See you next week.

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