Software Engineers are People

I just responded to a media query about how to reduce developer turnover, and I felt compelled to share a quick note on the blog as well.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when managers refer to their developers as “resources.” I cringe every time I hear it, and I hear it a lot. In fact I think it’s the default parlance for product managers. It’s terrible.

Look folks, software engineers are people, not expensive feature-building machines that you try to hoard. If you have trouble keeping your developers, it’s because either the company and the individual weren’t aligned in some way, or because you treated them badly. Take the time to make sure there is a fit, and work continuously to maintain alignment with your teammates.

Michael Morrissey, a designer, developer, and real-life person in our NY office.