Agile killed the introvert star
Ask anyone outside of the IT industry to describe a computer programmer and they will paint picture of a solitary figure hunched over the keyboard. Flanked by pizza boxes and illuminated only by the green hue of the command line.
Given this image then, it is perhaps unsurprising that introverts have long been attracted careers in Information Technology.
My favourite definition of an introvert is someone that is more comfortable in the their own company than the company of others. I love the notion that introverts have a social energy bar that can only be recharged by alone time.
A traditional computer programmer typically took a detailed specification, followed a linear path and after some months or years handed over a codified deliverable. Then, in 2001, the Agile Manifesto was drafted, describing a better way to develop software. This new way of working valued the interactions of individuals, customer collaboration and team communication. Developers are reminded to come up for air, be brave and ask “What do you think of this?”
The ability to cut code was a minimum. Softer skills such as facilitation, influence and communication are now required for the daily stand up, sprint planning and retrospectives. Ceremonies all geared to optimise the effectiveness of team over the heroic individual.
With the adoption of Agile the previous plentiful habitats of the atypical introvert are under threat. Pair and mob programming have errooded the landscape even further making programming an ‘almost’ sociable activity, reducing the opportunities for introverts to recharge.
Just like the grey and red squirrel population I believe what we are seeing is that introverts are being forced to adapt with emerging conditions that are favouring the ambivert.
So if you are adopting agile or facing opposition from some developers about adopting pair programming find out whether they are introvert, ambivert or extrovert and consider their needs and plan accordingly.
Why not take a test and post in the comments whether you are an introvert, ambivert or extrovert http://lonerwolf.com/introvert-or-extrovert-test/
