I wrote a blog with some quick observations about the role played by optimists and pessimists in technology discussions. I feel like I've been cast in both camps at different points of my career, maybe more pessimist leaning in product organizations and more optimistic in my consulting life, but it's subjective! https://lnkd.in/euh4-mV9 #EQengineered #empathy #softwareengineering #digitaltransformation
Very much a balancing act.
Julian Flaks feel the same way about project management - you evolve to recognize the moments where you need to be one or the other. I prefer to be a realistic pessimist with overtones of optimism most of the time! Staying grounded in reality balances the two areas if you can achieve it.
Great post, Julian Flaks!! There are merits and pitfalls to both mindsets, but as I find with most things, a middle-of-the-road approach achieves a nice balance to benefit where able while also minimizing the pitfalls 😁
Thoughtful perspective, Julian Flaks! Half full...half empty...smaller cup!
Hopefully it was 55-45 on the Optimism side 😀 Great post Julian Flaks
Passionate Principal Technical Consultant & Architect | Modernizing Legacy Systems | Driving Innovation & Diversity in Tech | Principal Technical Consultant/Architect at EQengineered
4moThis is great insight. I find that I've often been in the more optimistic camp but feel like I have struck a good balance on raising risks and not being too "overly optimistic". Years ago, I read a book that changed my perspective called "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life". This lead me to looking at the intent more than the question/pushback and realizing everyone's perspective is different. If we engage in conversation and treat all questions as growth opportunities, it does a couple of things: Everyone feels seen and their concerns are addressed, challenges become transparent and a "team sport" where everyone has a part to play in helping to resolve them, and practical solutions have a way of presenting themselves when a bunch of different perspectives are considered.