Don't Feed the Thought Leaders

The article, written as a reflective personal narrative, explores the challenges of navigating project objections within a large software company, emphasizing the importance of "reaching alignment" to prevent objections from stakeholders. The author, a new engineering manager, describes the process of soliciting feedback from colleagues who might have concerns, adjusting the project plan accordingly, and the pitfalls of trying to incorporate every piece of advice, which can unnecessarily expand the project's scope. Drawing on Philip E. Tetlock's research on expert predictions, the author contrasts "hedgehogs," who offer one-size-fits-all solutions, with "foxes," who provide nuanced, context-dependent advice. The article suggests that in software development, skepticism towards universal solutions is warranted, advocating for advice that is tailored to specific problems. It concludes with a reminder to avoid becoming a "hedgehog" and to value contingent, specific guidance.

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