When you first get placed on a team, it’s sometimes hard to get your bearings if you aren’t given an explicit task to work on to begin with. We sort of experienced this at the start of the semester, where we weren’t all too familiar with the Thea’s Pantry project even after working with forks of it for assignments in prior courses. Part of this is just the nature of working with something new, and having the expectation of providing value to it in a practical sense.

In this way, it makes sense the way we approached the issues that we took for the first sprint. For the most part, these issues were fairly simple and mostly plumbing, which can also be classified as sweeping the floor. The idea for sweeping the floor is that you take simple tasks that, while necessary, aren’t all that interesting, in order to build confidence in yourself with the project and build rapport with the team.

The authors make a good point in that it might not feel great to do as someone with a Computer Science degree that you worked hard for, but the reality is that the degree is really just a way to get your foot in the door. Same with any other way that you gained the qualifications to get accepted for a job or project that you’re working on. The real work is the work you do when you’re placed into a project, where you really get to apply the basics that you learned in college while also learning more practical skills.

I really think this is a good approach to take when you feel out of your element in a new environment. Maybe you just got hired for your first internship or even first full-time job, and while you are excited, you don’t really know how to actually provide value to the project, because you haven’t necessarily had that sort of experience before. This seems really helpful to get your bearings in a new project. The authors do mention a couple drawbacks to this approach, with the most notable one being the feeling of being stuck doing the small tasks without branching out due to anxiety, but there are ways out of this mindset too.

From the blog CS@Worcester – V's CompSCi Blog by V and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

This week I decided to discuss the pattern called “Stay in the Trenches”. In this section, the problem presented is where you are offered a promotion into a role that will pull you away from programming. It mentions that this offer is an illusion of accomplishment that will test your sustainable motivation and determination to walk the long road.  I decided to pick this pattern because it involves the idea of sustainable motivations which is a pattern I wrote about previously. I am unsure about what is motivating me to stay in the field so I like thinking about these kinds of topics. I don’t think this section has really changed my mind about the way I think about my profession though.

Many people equate a promotion with success but in the problem presented (a promotion that would pull you away from programming), you will be trading the programming skills that you have worked to develop for said promotion. The tet calls for you to stay on your path and work with your manager to find other mechanisms to reward you for your excellent work. This means if your company refuses to be flexible, you should find opportunities somewhere else. 

I agree that it would be best to continue on the path of software engineering since you’ve dedicated a lot of time in an attempt to become a master but simply saying that if your organization is inflexible then you should find opportunities elsewhere is a bit easier said than done. I think you can love this path but if life knocks you down it may be a bit difficult to stay on the path. If you are able to find other opportunities, that’s great; you can continue on the path. If you have trouble finding other opportunities and you need the resources that the promotion can provide, then you may just have to take that promotion. I’m not saying that you have to give up software engineering forever, but you might have to take a little detour and stray from the path a little at least until you can find other opportunities elsewhere. You can still love software engineering and pick up projects in your free time but sometimes you have to be realistic in this society career wise. 

Lastly, I do think the list of possible alternate rewards for your excellence was great. It suggested to “consider whether there are standard constraints that could be loosened in your case” and to  “prepare a list of these alternative rewards so that when you reject that promotion, you’re in a position to negotiate based on a clear understanding of your own motivations”. I think those are very helpful suggestions.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Live Laugh Code by Shamarah Ramirez and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The “Be the Worst” pattern advises individuals to seek out environments where they are not the most skilled or knowledgeable. Instead of always aiming to be the best, this pattern encourages embracing discomfort and challenges that come with being the least skilled person in the room. By immersing oneself in such environments, individuals can experience accelerated growth, learning, and personal development.

The “Be the Worst” pattern has profoundly impacted my perspective on professional growth and skill development. It challenged me to rethink the notion of always striving to be the best and instead highlighted the immense value in stepping into situations where I may feel inadequate or outmatched.

What resonated with me the most about this pattern is its emphasis on humility, openness to learning, and the willingness to embrace discomfort. It acknowledges that growth often occurs outside of one’s comfort zone and that being the least skilled person in a group can be a powerful catalyst for improvement.

This pattern has caused a significant shift in how I approach my intended profession as a software developer. Instead of seeking validation from being the best, I now prioritize seeking environments where I can learn the most, even if it means initially feeling uncomfortable or challenged.

One aspect that I found particularly thought-provoking about this pattern is its recognition of the importance of humility in learning. It encourages individuals to set aside their ego and embrace the learning process fully, regardless of their current skill level.

While I wholeheartedly agree with the premise of the “Be the Worst” pattern, I also recognize the importance of finding a balance. It’s essential to have supportive environments where one can leverage their strengths while still being pushed to grow and improve.

“Be the Worst” pattern has inspired me to embrace challenges, seek out learning opportunities, and approach skill development with a mindset of continuous improvement. It has reshaped my perspective on professional growth, emphasizing the value of discomfort and humility in the journey towards mastery.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Hieu Tran Blog by Trung Hiếu and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

In the Software Development industry, every journey begins with a step forward and is often in the form of menial tasks. The Sweeping the Floor pattern emphasizes the importance of starting off small and embracing humbling tasks as a newcomer to a team. This means volunteering to do simple yet essential tasks to help contribute to the team’s overall success and grow as a developer. These tasks may not seem as exciting, but they help form the backbone of the team and provide valuable learning opportunities.

While learning more about the pattern, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences. This pattern brings up the idea that we should try to tackle not just simple tasks, but challenging ones as well. This helped me realize that regardless what our level of knowledge is, every contribution matters and serves as a stepping stone towards future accomplishments.

In a field that is often associated with complexity and innovation, I found it interesting for a pattern to highlight the importance of starting from the ground up and acknowledging that mastery is a journey that comes with time, rather than a destination. Also, by taking on tasks within our teams, we are gaining additional knowledge. The patterns focus on filling knowledge gaps through hands-on experience and learning underscores the importance of practical learning in the field.

Sweeping the Floor has led me to reevaluate my approach to the field. While I have always recognized the importance of continuous learning, this pattern has reinforced the idea that no task is beneath us as craftsmen and apprentices. This helped inspire me to contribute more to any team I’m on, even if it means taking on some of the more challenging tasks.

While I agree with the message of the pattern, I believe there’s a fine line between taking on humbling tasks and being pigeonholed into a role with limited growth potential. I believe it is essential to seek opportunities for growth and development beyond just menial tasks. While Sweeping the Floor is a part of the apprenticeship journey, it’s also crucial to strike a balance and demonstrate knowledge for more significant challenges and roles within a team.

With this being said, the Sweeping the Floor pattern can serve as a reminder that with dedication and continuous learning, we can follow our own paths to mastery. By embracing the humbling tasks from the beginning rather than pushing them away, and reaching for various opportunities for growth, we as apprentices can then lay a solid foundation that’ll set us up for success in the future.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Conner Moniz Blog by connermoniz1 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

In a world where promotions often signal success, it’s crucial to consider whether ascending the corporate ladder aligns with your true passions. George Leonard, in his book “Mastery,” cautions against succumbing to the allure of quick-fixes, urging us to stay committed to our craft despite the tempting promises of managerial roles.

Summary of the Pattern

“Stay in the Trenches” challenges the conventional notion that climbing the organizational ladder is the only path to success. It emphasizes the importance of remaining immersed in the technical aspects of your profession, particularly in software development, rather than transitioning into managerial roles prematurely. By prioritizing hands-on experience and continuous learning, individuals can sustain their passion for their craft and avoid the erosion of their expertise.

Reaction to the Pattern

This pattern resonates deeply with me as a software developer. It underscores the significance of staying true to one’s passion for programming, even in the face of enticing promotions. The idea that mastery diminishes when one veers away from practice serves as a powerful reminder of the value of continuous engagement with technical challenges.

The pattern prompts me to reconsider traditional notions of career advancement and success within my profession. It encourages a shift in perspective towards recognizing the intrinsic satisfaction derived from honing in on one’s skills, rather than solely pursuing external markers of achievement.

Furthermore, “Stay in the Trenches” has prompted me to reflect on the role of leadership and influence within technical domains. It highlights the potential for experienced practitioners to advocate for environments that facilitate ongoing learning and growth, not just for themselves but for their colleagues as well.

Disagreements with the Pattern

While I largely agree with the principles outlined in this pattern, I acknowledge the complexity of navigating career trajectories within different organizational contexts. While staying in the trenches may be an ideal scenario for some, it may not always be feasible or conducive to professional growth in every situation. In some organizations, the pathways for technical advancement may be limited, and promotions into management roles may be unavoidable for those seeking career progression. Additionally, the pattern’s emphasis on rejecting promotions may not align with everyone’s career aspirations or financial needs.

In conclusion, “Stay in the Trenches” serves as an important reminder of the importance of nurturing one’s passion for software development amidst the attraction of managerial positions. By prioritizing technical excellence and continuous learning, individuals can navigate their career paths with intentionality and authenticity, ultimately fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment in their professional challenges.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Site Title by rkaranja1002 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Breakable Toys is a pattern that shows the importance of learning through failure and trail and error in software development. It teaches that failure is inevitable in the learning process and encourages developers to create small,  projects where they can make mistakes without breaking something permanently . By building a toy systems with similar toolsets to their professional projects but on a smaller scale developers can push their abilities to the limit and gain experience. The pattern suggests building simple projects like wikis, calendars, or address books. These projects serve as opportunities to try out new ideas and techniques without the pressure of real-world consequences in a job scenario . They allow developers to learn from their mistakes, iterate, and grow as professionals. Examples of Breakable Toys include personal wikis, games like Tetris or Tic-Tac-Toe, blogging software, and IRC clients. The idea is to choose projects that are relevant and useful to the developer’s life, allowing them to invest time and effort into exploring different aspects of software development. The pattern also emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process of building these toys. If the projects become stressful, they are less likely to be learning experiences that are successful.Also , developers should be open to the possibility that their toys may evolve into something more significant or even gain other users over time. A classic example cited is Linus Torvalds’s creation of Linux, initially announced as a hobby project to build a small operating system similar to Minix. This shows how even the most significant projects can start as personal experiments or Breakable Toys. Overall, Breakable Toys encourage developers to embrace failure, take risks, and continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth in their craft. By building and iterating on these small projects, developers can expand their skill sets, deepen their understanding of tools and technologies, and ultimately become more proficient practitioners of software development. I have used breakable toys for a school setting but never for just for fun, after diving more to the pattern I will be deepening during my free time. 

From the blog CS@Worcester – CS- Raquel Penha by raqpenha and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Concrete Skills

For this post, I read about the Concrete Skills pattern. This pattern is about when seeking a new role on a development team, the team may not want to risk the possibility that one may you be able to contribute to the team. They may think this because you may not have much concrete work to show your skillset and prove to teams you are able to contribute. The solution to this problem according to the text, is to acquire and maintain concrete skills. In order to do this, the text suggests collecting CVs of people whose skills you respect. Collecting CVs helps give an idea to what skills are useful and looked for when joining these teams. After learning these skills, then build a project using them to demonstrate that you can apply those newly learned skills.

I found this pattern to be useful because I am currently in the process of applying to jobs, so this pattern is very prevalent to me. Collecting CVs of those already in the industry, or those with more experience is something I had not thought of. However I believe it is a good way to find skills that you may be missing. Collecting a list of skills is also useful in the sense that common buzzwords used among CVs can be noted to help get past HR filters and managers who construct teams based off of those buzzwords.

I found the statement that describes hiring managers requiring to take a leap of faith on choosing who they hire, and having concrete work allows you to meet them halfway to be interesting. I found this to be interesting because it changes my perspective on the hiring process.

This pattern has changed the way I go about looking for new skills to learn. When learning new skills, I sometimes plateau and get overwhelmed with what I should be looking into. Now after reading this pattern, going into the future I will start collecting CVs because having a list of skills will be useful to direct my focus in the skills I should be learning.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Zack's CS Blog by ztram1 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.