Become a Great Developer: The Importance of Coaching
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Chapter 1: The Value of Coaching
In the journey to becoming a great developer, the key is not solely about your current skills but rather the potential for growth.
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Throughout our lives, we have all experienced coaching in various forms. From the guidance of our parents to the instruction of teachers, coaching has played an essential role in our development. This trend continues into higher education, where professors help shape our expertise in specific fields.
Eventually, we venture into the professional realm, where self-improvement becomes our responsibility. At this point, one might think the learning phase is over. However, this belief has been challenged by Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and author, in his TED Talk titled "Want to get great at something? Get a coach." He suggests that the journey of learning is never complete, emphasizing that everyone, including top professionals, can benefit from having a coach.
Gawande's exploration of this idea led him to hire a coach to observe his surgical practices. After a seemingly flawless operation, he was surprised to receive extensive feedback, highlighting the significance of even minor details in his performance.
“I didn’t like being observed,” he admits, yet he acknowledges that having a coach elevated his awareness and pushed him to perform better.
How often do we operate on autopilot, relying on our instincts and routines? Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, refers to this automatic functioning as "System 1," which allows us to perform tasks with minimal effort.
However, Gawande discovered that activating "System 2," which requires conscious thought and effort, was crucial for improvement. His coach provided him with an external perspective, compelling him to step out of his comfort zone and enhance his skills.
Coaching in Software Development
Just as Gawande adapted coaching from sports to medicine, the software development field can also greatly benefit from this approach. In the fast-evolving world of software, coaching is vital. No matter how experienced a developer may be, there is always room for learning.
Junior developers may have insights into the latest technologies, while seasoned developers can impart knowledge about established design principles.
A prevalent method in development teams that fosters this learning culture is through Code Reviews. These reviews allow team members to analyze each other's work, providing an opportunity for mutual coaching. However, to reap the full benefits of code reviews, certain challenges must be addressed.
Many teams face two main obstacles that hinder effective code reviews:
- Developers may hesitate to offer constructive criticism.
- Feedback can be taken too personally.
Establishing clear guidelines for code reviews can help create a supportive environment where team members feel safe to provide and receive feedback.
Though it can be uncomfortable to receive critiques, it is essential for growth. Similarly, developers often grow complacent with their existing skills, missing out on better techniques and practices that could enhance their work.
Engaging in meaningful code reviews brings numerous advantages, including:
- Knowledge Sharing: Enhances collective understanding of the codebase.
- Bug Detection: Identifies issues before they escalate.
- Consistency in Coding Standards: Maintains uniform coding practices.
- Improved Security: Increases the likelihood of uncovering security vulnerabilities.
Establishing a positive culture around code reviews is imperative for any development team. If you believe your team could improve in this area, voice your thoughts and encourage a mindset that embraces critique as a pathway to betterment.
Final Thoughts
Having a coach is often a normalized part of education and sports, but it should also be integral in professional development across all fields. In software development, code reviews serve as an effective coaching mechanism, fostering constant awareness and opportunities for improvement.
Incremental progress leads to significant growth over time, reminding us that the focus should not solely be on current capabilities, but rather on the potential for future excellence.
“It’s not how good you are now; it’s how good you’re going to be that really matters,” as Gawande wisely stated.
I hope you found this article insightful. I welcome your questions and feedback. Feel free to connect with me via LinkedIn, follow my updates on Twitter, or subscribe for more content.
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Chapter 2: Learning Through Video Insights
The first video, How long to become a software developer?, delves into the timeline and steps necessary to embark on a successful career in software development.
The second video, What You Need To Do To Become A Great Developer, outlines essential practices and mindsets for aspiring developers to excel in their field.
About the Author
I work as a Software Engineering Analyst at Accenture Song, where we are constantly on the lookout for top talent. My passion lies in creating impactful solutions that can change lives. If you’re interested in joining our team, please reach out!
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